A passionate video plea by a youth from the quiet village of Koomapatti has reignited public attention on the long-neglected Pilavakkal Dam, drawing both sympathy and criticism as the Koomapatti sensation unfolds on social media.
The village of Koomapatti, located near the foothills of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar district, boasts natural beauty and agricultural richness. Yet, its most significant tourist asset, the Pilavakkal Dam, has been lying in disrepair for over five years, leaving locals disheartened and hopeful visitors disappointed.
In a now-viral video, Thangapandi, a local youth and Instagram celebrity, laments the stagnant state of the dam and surrounding infrastructure. He highlights how the Tamil Nadu government sanctioned ₹10 crore six months ago for the dam’s renovation, yet no visible action has been taken.
“We’ve waited for five years. Even after ₹10 crore was sanctioned, not a single step has been taken. Why is there no human movement to restore this dam?” he questions emotionally in the video, calling Koomapatti “an island” forgotten by the state.
The dam, once a popular local destination for swimming and recreation, was closed due to safety and environmental concerns. Since then, repeated pleas from villagers for renovation and tourism development have gone unheard until now.
The village gained unexpected attention after a local youth, Thangapandi, posted an Instagram video glorifying Koomapatti as a “hidden island paradise,” comparing it to Kashmir and Kuttralam. His clips, filled with dramatic monologues about the dam’s beauty, went viral, leading to an influx of tourists unaware of the bathing ban.
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Visitors arriving via Google Maps were met with disappointment. Unfortunately, those who arrived found the dam still inaccessible and off-limits, with no tourism facilities, no accommodation, and no telecom connectivity. Many were reportedly frustrated after long journeys. Ironically, it was Thangapandi himself who informed them that entry and bathing were prohibited.
Following the viral trend, the Public Works Department (PWD) stepped in, sealing off access to the dam and warning people against visiting. Officials reiterated that the dam area has been off-limits for years and urged the public to refrain from trespassing.
Despite the backlash for his unauthorized entry, Thangapandi’s video has drawn widespread attention to the dam’s neglected state. Locals hope the renewed spotlight will compel authorities to act on the ₹10 crore allocation and finally begin restoration work.
“This place has been a ghost site for five years. If this were your town, would you remain silent?” he says in the video, appealing to both public sentiment and government accountability.
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