On July 13, a group of farmers from the Gopalasamudram area of Tirunelveli district presented a detailed petition to District Collector Anand Mohan during the weekly grievance redressal meeting. The petition demands the immediate release of water through the Kannadiyan Channel to eight critical tanks—Nambinerikulam, Vaagaikulam, Velankulam, Koththankulam, Kandupidiththaankulam, Sengulam, Omanallur Periyakulam, and Piraanchery Periyakulam—so that they can commence the ‘kar’ season paddy cultivation.

Background and Basin Status

Kannadiyan Channel is one of the eight major irrigation arteries of the Tamirabharani Basin, traditionally receiving water from the Papanasam Dam each year on June 1 for the ‘kar’ crop cycle. However, this year the catchment areas of both Papanasam and Manimuthar dams have experienced irregular precipitation, resulting in sub‑optimal water storage. The Papanasam reservoir currently holds only 75 feet of water against a maximum capacity of 143 feet, while Manimuthar stands at 73 feet of a 118‑foot capacity.

Farmers’ Concerns

Farmers, led by Vanamaamalai of Gopalasamudram, argue that any delay in water release forces them to postpone sowing until late July or August. Such a shift would expose the crop to the harsh northeast monsoon in November, jeopardizing both the current harvest and the subsequent ‘pisanam’ season. “Refusing to release water is tantamount to suffocating our livelihood,” Vanamaamalai warned, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.

Department’s Position

A senior official from the Water Resources Department explained that despite the inadequate reservoir levels, the department is presently releasing 350 cusecs of water through the Kannadiyan Channel—the highest volume among Tamirabharani Basin channels at this time. Other channels, such as Palayam (108 cusecs), Kodagan (104 cusecs), Tirunelveli (80 cusecs), and Nadhiyunni (69 cusecs), are receiving considerably less. The official added that if monsoon rains improve storage, the discharge can be increased across all channels, including Kannadiyan.

Related Local Issues

In parallel, residents have lodged a petition opposing a ₹59 crore park project on the banks of the Tamirabharani River, citing potential pollution of the perennial waterway. Additionally, L. Esakki Rani, a ward‑4 member of the Thaazhaiyooththu town panchayat, submitted a petition against a drainage channel being dug near Jakkammal Temple, which she says would adversely affect the Scheduled Caste community residing there.