Full Breakdown
Tamil Nadu Farmers Demand Additional Funding for Cauvery-Vaigai-Gundar River-Linking Project
8/22/2026, 8:29:37 PM
Farmers’ Appeal for Increased Allocation
Representatives of farmer associations in Ramanathapuram district convened at the Collectorate and submitted a unanimous resolution urging the state government to earmark additional resources for the Cauvery-Vaigai-Gundar river-linking initiative. The groups argued that the existing allocation of INR150 crore is inadequate to meet project requirements and called on the chief minister to announce further funds in the upcoming legislative assembly session.
Project Background and Funding Gap
The river-linking scheme is intended to augment water availability for irrigation across the district. While the state has set aside INR150 crore for the undertaking, the farmers contend that this sum falls short of covering essential activities such as tree removal, tank desilting, and infrastructure upgrades. They highlighted that over 3,000 hectares of farmland have already been lost, for which compensation remains pending.
Officials’ Responses
District Collector Sivaguru Prabhakaran indicated that work on the project is progressing, with roughly 50 % of the planned activities completed. He confirmed that the felling of “karuvelam” trees—identified as an obstacle to tank desilting—is underway and that tank desilting will commence once tree removal is finished. The collector also noted that compensation for affected farmers will be deposited in bank accounts provided by the claimants once the requisite funds are released. Regarding unresolved insurance claims, he assured that designated officials are tasked with expediting settlements.
When farmers raised concerns about the installation of 50 electric poles along the S V Mangalam Tank by the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) without adhering to guidelines, the collector pledged an immediate review, citing potential risks of tank breach if the water level rises.
Outstanding Issues and Quantitative Highlights
- Funding shortfall: Farmers seek additional allocation beyond the current INR150 crore.
- Compensation pending: Over 3,000 hectares of agricultural loss awaiting payment.
- Project progress: Approximately 50 % of works reported complete.
- Infrastructure concerns: Unapproved installation of 50 electric poles along a critical tank bund.
Anticipated Actions
The collector affirmed that the district administration will monitor the completion of tree felling and tank desilting, expedite compensation disbursements, and investigate the pole-installation irregularities. Farmers await a formal announcement of increased funding in the forthcoming legislative assembly statement.
