Farmers near Udumalaipettai urge officials to release water to Poosari Nayakkan Tank in Alampalaiyam, citing its importance for irrigation and groundwater recharge. The tank has been dry for three years, affecting agriculture and drinking water supply.
Coimbatore: Farmers in the Udumalaipettai region of Tiruppur district are demanding immediate action from authorities to release water to the Poosari Nayakkan Tank in Alampalaiyam. The tank, which spans 76 acres and has a capacity of 24.67 million cubic feet, has been a crucial water source for over 15 surrounding villages and thousands of acres of agricultural land.
The Poosari Nayakkan Tank, with a water level of 10 feet when full, directly irrigates 88.56 acres of land and indirectly benefits thousands more through groundwater recharge. However, the tank has remained dry for the past three years, severely impacting local agriculture and drinking water availability.
Previously, water was supplied to the tank through a 2.65 sluice in the Manupatti branch canal, as per a High Court order. However, due to drought conditions and mismanagement last year, the water supply was cut off. This has led to a significant drop in groundwater levels, affecting crops like coconut trees and causing drinking water scarcity in nearby villages.
Farmers are now urging officials to take immediate action to open the water supply to the Poosari Nayakkan Tank. They argue that with the recent southwest monsoon filling the PAP (Parambikulam Aliyar Project) reservoir complex and the current water level in the Thirumoorthy Dam standing at 53.75 feet out of its total 60 feet capacity, there is ample water to be released.
The agricultural community emphasizes the traditional rights of the tank and its critical role in sustaining local agriculture and water resources. They hope that prompt action from the authorities will help alleviate the water crisis in the region and revive their struggling farms.