Farmers Protest Water Theft from Distribution Canal Near Udumalpet, Besiege Public Works Department Office

Coimbatore: Over 100 farmers besieged the Public Works Department (PWD) office near Udumalpet in Tiruppur district on Thursday, protesting against water theft from the Adivalli distribution canal, which has severely affected irrigation in the area.

The protest erupted after water released from the Thirumoorthy Dam on May 18 for the second zone irrigation failed to reach 70 acres out of the total 170 acres served by the Adivalli distribution canal. The water supply, which began on May 20 through the Puthupalaiyam branch canal, was stopped on May 26 after completing the first round of irrigation to seven sluices.



Farmers alleged that illegal concrete walls and large pipelines have been installed along the Adivalli distribution canal, resulting in water theft. This unauthorized diversion has prevented water from reaching the tail-end farmers, depriving them of their fair share of irrigation water that is typically available only once every two years.

The protesting farmers demanded immediate action against those responsible for the illegal breaching of the canal and installation of large pipelines for water theft. They also urged the PWD officials to ensure that farmers who did not receive adequate water in the first round of irrigation are provided with their due share.

The farmers warned that if the PWD officials fail to take appropriate action, they would mobilize more farmers and launch a series of protests. They emphasized the critical nature of this water supply, which is crucial for their agricultural activities and livelihoods.

The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in water management and distribution in the region, particularly in areas where water scarcity is a persistent issue. It also underscores the need for stricter monitoring and enforcement to prevent illegal water diversion and ensure equitable distribution among all farmers dependent on the irrigation system.