Farmers demand water allocation following established rules

Representatives of farmers’ associations attached to three irrigation systems in the district urged the authorities to ensure that water allocation from the Bhavanisagar dam adheres to established rules and does not infringe on the irrigation rights of any ayacut.

S. Palanikumar, president of the Kalingarayan Mathagu Pasana Vivasayigal Sabai No. 4, had approached the Madras High Court seeking a direction to release water from the Bhavanisagar dam into the Kalingarayan Canal. The court directed the Erode district administration and the Water Resources Department (WRD) to consider the plea and take a decision within two weeks after hearing the views of other parties drawing water from the dam.

Following the court’s direction, a tripartite meeting was held at the Collectorate on Thursday evening to obtain the views of representatives of the Lower Bhavani Project (LBP), Kalingarayan and Kodiveri irrigation systems.

The meeting was chaired by District Revenue Officer S. Santha Kumar and attended by WRD officials.

Representatives of the Keel Bhavani Murai Neer Vivasayigal Kootamaippu, led by its president A. Ramasamy, said the northeast monsoon had been favourable and the prolonged water shortage in the Lower Bhavani ayacut had eased.

A. Ramasamy said water allocation to other irrigation systems should not be made at the expense of the Lower Bhavani ayacut. He urged the authorities to conserve water in the dam and review the situation in the first week of December before taking a decision, citing the possibility of the effects of El Nino continuing for several months.

Subi Thalapathi, president of the Kodiveri Dam–Bhavani River Irrigation Farmers Association, said the traditional irrigation rights of farmers along the river should be protected. He urged the authorities to adhere to the established rules governing water distribution and the regulations laid down by the district administration in 1984.

He said nearly 30% of the LBP ayacut, covering around 60,000 acres, was no longer under cultivation. He insisted that a fresh survey be conducted to identify the actual area under cultivation and ensure that water was allocated in accordance with the established rules.

P.K. Sethuraja, president of the Kalingarayan Farmers and Workers Welfare Association, said the traditional Kalingarayan ayacut had historically received water for 315 days a year, with a 45-day break. He urged the authorities to protect the existing irrigated area and refrain from changing long-standing irrigation rules and practices. Officials said the views expressed by representatives of the three irrigation systems would be submitted to the court.