Farmers using Tamirabharani river water have raised objections to the Rs.282.40 crore Fourth Main Drinking Water Pipeline Scheme for supply of water to the residents of Tuticorin Corporation from Marudur dam.
K.P. Perumal, district secretary of the Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam, said water should not be drawn from Marudur dam, which was irrigating 46,167 acres of land in the district.
In a petition submitted to the Collector here on Monday, Mr.Perumal suggested construction of a lower dam near Srivaikuntam anicut as an alternative to the scheme.
The authorities, who inspected sites for the Fourth Main Drinking Water Pipeline Scheme recently, had recommended permanent storing of 300 cusecs of water. This amount of water could be stored if the lower dam was constructed near Srivaikuntam.
Surplus water flowing in the river during excess rainfall period could also be diverted to the lower dam. “Normally, surplus water from Srivaikuntam anicut flows into the sea,” he said.
The existing 20 MGD (Million Gallons per Day) water distribution scheme supplying water to industries from Srivaikuntam anicut should be held in abeyance, and industries should instead establish desalination plants, he noted.
He also demanded desilting and maintenance works in sluice gates, and removal of water hyacinths from the anicut.
The Collector told the farmers that he would look into their demands.
