The Pandiaru-Punnampuzha project was a long-pending scheme aimed at providing water to the parched lands around Bhavanisagar Dam, which currently irrigates nearly 3 lakh acres of land in Erode district through the Kalingarayan canal and Keezh Bhavani project. This crucial water source also extends its services to various areas in the Tiruppur and Karur districts. Despite this irrigation, most places around Bhavanisagar Dam remain dry, which is why the Tamil Nadu government, as early as 1960, prepared the blueprint for the Pandiaru-Punnampuzha project during the tenure of former Chief Minister the late K. Kamarajar.
Location
The Pandiaru River originates from the Devala and Oveli areas, part of the Nilgiri district, and flows into Kerala. It eventually joins several rivers to form the Punnampuzha River and Saaniyaru. These rivers account for about 14 TMC of water flowing into the Arabian Sea yearly, even more during the monsoon season. If diverted, this water could irrigate the dry lands of Tamil Nadu, generate electricity, and significantly increase the state’s water resources.
The Tamil Nadu and Kerala governments agreed to share the water, with both states allotted 7 TMC each during the 1960s. However, the project was not executed. Farmers’ associations have urged the Tamil Nadu government to take action over the years. The Tamil Nadu government held discussions with the Kerala government, agreeing that Tamil Nadu would receive water while Kerala would benefit from the electricity generated. Despite this accord, work on the Pandiaru-Punnampuzha project has not yet commenced. The most recent attempt saw former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami meeting Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, after which a separate board for the project was formed, but progress stalled as usual.
Alternative Project
Later, a team of senior PWD officials and engineers proposed an alternative: the Pandiaru-Moyar project, which would link the Pandiaru River with the Moyar River instead of the Punnampuzha River. Local farmers and PWD officials estimate that this modified project could be executed for around ₹100 crores. If the Pandiaru River’s water is diverted to the Moyar River, the Bhavanisagar Dam could receive an additional 4 TMC of water. Adopting a pipeline method similar to the Avinashi-Athikadavu project could significantly reduce costs. Kerala’s involvement would not be necessary, as the Pandiaru River originates within Tamil Nadu. The Pandiaru River flows for 40 kilometres within Tamil Nadu. By diverting its water to the Moyar River, the Bhavanisagar Dam could gain an additional 4 TMC of water.
The successful execution of the Pandiaru-Moyar scheme is expected to provide relief to the arid areas around Bhavanisagar Dam, greatly improving agricultural output and ensuring a long-term water supply in that region. The entire area is eagerly awaiting the project’s implementation. Will the government listen to the pleas of the commoners and farmers?
Mithunkumar S is a full-time political observer and analyst with a strong passion for spirituality, nature and culture.
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