The Kalingarayan Farmers and Workers’ Welfare Association has raised serious allegations regarding the illegal release of water to the Lower Bhavani Project (LBP) Canal, claiming a violation of Cauvery basin sharing rules.
- Kalingarayan farmers allege illegal water release to the LBP Canal starting August 15.
- Claims suggest 2 tmc ft was diverted from Kundah and Pykara reservoirs without a Government Order.
- The association asserts that natural river flow intended for the Kalingarayan Canal was misappropriated.
The agricultural landscape of Erode has been thrust into controversy as the Kalingarayan Farmers and Workers’ Welfare Association has formally alleged that the release of water from the Bhavanisagar dam to the Lower Bhavani Project (LBP) Canal was conducted illegally. The association claims that this 'special supply,' which commenced on August 15 and only ceased this past Tuesday, was a blatant violation of the established rules governing water sharing within the sensitive Cauvery basin.
According to a detailed statement released by the association, the water release was initiated following instructions from the District Collector but notably lacked a formal Government Order (GO). The farmers allege that approximately 2 tmc ft of water was drawn from the Kundah and Pykara hydel project reservoirs to provide a special wetting to the LBP Canal. Under existing regulations, such reservoir draws are strictly reserved for periods of acute shortage affecting the first and second crop seasons, a condition the association argues was not met in this instance.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this dispute is not merely a local disagreement but a reflection of the systemic tension over water security in Tamil Nadu. When natural flows are diverted from one canal system to another without transparent legal frameworks, it threatens the livelihood of thousands of small-scale farmers who rely on the Kalingarayan Canal's historical water rights. This creates a precarious precedent for administrative discretion over codified water-sharing laws.
The association further contends that the natural flow of the Bhavani River, which was legally earmarked for the Kalingarayan Canal, was diverted to the LBP Canal in direct violation of the Compendium of Rules of Regulation of the Cauvery Basin. By totaling the 2 tmc ft from reservoirs and the diverted natural flow since June 16, the association estimates that over 4 tmc ft of water was supplied to the LBP Canal improperly.
"The diversion of water without a Government Order undermines the legal sanctity of the Cauvery basin regulations and risks long-term agricultural instability in the region."
Adding to the grievances, the association pointed out a failure in administrative timing. While the special release was reportedly scheduled to end at 5 p.m. on Monday, they allege that the flow continued beyond the stipulated period without any fresh orders or extensions, further exacerbating the perceived illegality of the operation.
| Feature | Kalingarayan Claim | Standard Regulation |
|---|---|---|
| Authorization | Collector's Instruction only | Formal Government Order (GO) required |
| Reservoir Use | Special wetting for LBP | Only during crop season shortages |
| Water Volume | Over 4 tmc ft diverted | Based on natural flow/basin rules |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why is the Kalingarayan Farmers' Association protesting?
They believe water meant for their canal was illegally diverted to the LBP Canal without proper government authorization and in violation of basin rules.
Q2: What reservoirs were involved in the water draw?
The Kundah and Pykara hydel project reservoirs were used to supply water to the LBP Canal.