A Lifeline for Drylands: WRD Initiates Study to Channel Surplus Cauvery Water to Ponnaniyar and Kannuthu Dams

For years, the parched lands of Manapparai, Vaiyampatti, and Marungapuri in Tiruchi district have yearned for a reliable water source. Now, a ray of hope shines bright as the Water Resources Department (WRD) embarks on a pivotal journey: a comprehensive feasibility study to divert surplus Cauvery river water to the Ponnaniyar and Kannuthu dams.

This ambitious undertaking, if successful, promises to transform the lives of thousands of farmers and residents battling chronic water scarcity.

The initiative stems from urgent discussions in the State Assembly, where the pressing need for sustainable water solutions in these drought-prone regions was highlighted.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, WRD officials, in collaboration with engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD), convened a crucial meeting to strategize the path forward. The focus is clear: to devise a robust mechanism for drawing off excess water from the Grand Anicut Canal, a lifeline fed by the mighty Cauvery, and channel it towards the eagerly awaiting reservoirs.

The Ponnaniyar and Kannuthu dams, with their combined storage capacity of a significant 210 million cubic feet (mcft), represent a crucial link in this water security chain.

Filling these dams with surplus Cauvery water would not only provide direct irrigation benefits for thousands of acres of agricultural land but also play a vital role in augmenting the dwindling groundwater levels across the region. This dual impact holds the key to revitalizing agriculture and ensuring long-term water availability for both domestic and farming needs.

While the vision is compelling, the path to implementation is not without its challenges.

Discussions around this specific diversion have circulated for years, often encountering technical hurdles, particularly concerning elevation differences that would necessitate sophisticated pumping solutions to move water uphill. However, the current impetus from the government signifies a renewed commitment to overcome these obstacles.

The ongoing feasibility study is the critical first step.

It will meticulously assess the technical viability of the project, exploring optimal routes, required infrastructure, and potential environmental impacts. Following this, a detailed project report (DPR) will be prepared, outlining the precise engineering plans, cost estimations, and implementation timeline.

The sentiment among local communities is one of cautious optimism, as they eagerly await the findings that could finally bring the much-needed water security they have long deserved.

This project is more than just an engineering feat; it's a testament to the dedication to foster resilience and prosperity in areas often overlooked.

By harnessing the abundance of the Cauvery, the WRD aims to sow the seeds of a greener, more water-secure future for Tiruchi's drylands.