WRD officials inspecting the Veerapandi Branch Canal in Tiruppur district ahead of water release from Thirumoorthy Dam for cultivation in the second zone of PAP Main Canal. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Farmers dependent on PAP Main Canal for livelihood are apparently relieved over the quality of desilting works undertaken in the PAP Main Canal and branch canals by the Water Resources Department ahead of the release of water for second zone.The works were carried out with the special funding of ₹14.9 crore allotted by the State government for dredging the second and third zone irrigation canals.The work has been completed with a portion of the amount on a war-footing by the WRD, for release of water in the second zone irrigation canals on November 4. The remaining funds will be utilised for carrying out the works in the third-zone irrigation canals from January 2027, it is learnt.Unlike in the past when the desilting works were carried out utilising the manpower enlisted under Viskit Bharat-Gurantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025 (erstwhile MNREGA), this time around, the contractors were necessitated to bring in their own manpower.
The transparency in the tender process was also appreciable this time, according to the farmers.To ensure quality of works, a team of WRD officials of Pongalur Division undertook inspection in the Veerapandi branch canal in the presence of farmers. All that the farmers look for now is intervention by the Revenue Department to prevent excess water drawal in the PAP Main Canal passing through Pollachi Division.K.
Paramasivam, chairman of the PAP Project Committee/ Planning Committee, said he had submitted a petition to the Pollachi Sub-Collector seeking timely action on illegal water drawal. Published - November 02, 2026 08:37 pm IST