Farmers in Tamil Nadu's southern districts have slammed the state government for allocating only ₹150 crore to the massive Cauvery-Vaigai-Gundar river-linking project. They warn that current funding levels could delay the project by five decades.
Key Takeaways
- The Tamil Nadu government allocated only ₹150 crore for the river-linking project.
- Farmers warn that current funding levels could delay completion by 50 years.
- The project aims to irrigate 8 lakh acres across 7 southern districts.
- The Southern Districts Farmers’ Association has demanded at least ₹2,000 crore.
Farmers across the southern districts of Tamil Nadu have expressed profound disappointment following the first state budget presented by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government. The budget's allocation of a mere ₹150 crore for the Cauvery-Vaigai-Gundar Link Canal Project has been labeled 'highly inadequate' by agricultural leaders.
M. Arjunan, General Secretary of the Southern Districts Farmers’ Association, emphasized that this project has been a long-standing dream for the region. For over half a century, the farming community has awaited this lifeline, which is designed to provide critical irrigation to nearly eight lakh acres of agricultural land across seven key districts: Karur, Tiruchi, Pudukkottai, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, and Thoothukudi.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the success of this project is central to the economic stability of southern Tamil Nadu. Without adequate funding, the perennial water scarcity in these districts will continue to devastate crop yields and drive farmer distress. The disparity between the allocated amount and the actual project requirements poses a significant threat to regional food security.
"At this rate of meager allocation, it will take 50 long years to complete a project that is vital for our survival today."
Financial Gap and Project Scale
The scale of the project far exceeds the current budgetary provisions. According to the Detailed Project Report (DPR), constructing the 118 km canal from Mayanur to South Vellar in Pudukkottai district is estimated to cost ₹6,900 crore. To put the current allocation into perspective, digging just 4.5 km of the canal in 2021 alone cost ₹165 crore.
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Project Cost (DPR) | ₹6,900 Crore |
| Current Budget Allocation | ₹150 Crore |
| Target Irrigation Area | 8 Lakh Acres |
| Total Districts Impacted | 7 Districts |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which districts are expected to benefit from this canal project?
The project will benefit Karur, Tiruchi, Pudukkottai, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, and Thoothukudi.
2. What is the primary demand of the farmers' association?
The association has appealed to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to increase the allocation to at least ₹2,000 crore to ensure timely progress.
