Chennai: With the Tamil Nadu budget session approaching, farmers and irrigation activists have urged the state government to allocate adequate funds for the replacement of aging and damaged dam shutters across the state. The demand comes amid growing concerns over leaking dams, inefficient water storage, and irrigation failures impacting lakhs of farmers.
Farmers Sound the Alarm Over Aging Dams
Tamil Nadu is home to several major irrigation dams that supply water to millions of acres of farmland. However, many of these structures have outdated shutters, leading to:
❌ Leakages and water wastage
❌ Weak structural integrity posing safety risks
❌ Inefficient irrigation affecting crop yield
❌ Flood threats in case of uncontrolled water discharge
Farmer groups have repeatedly urged the government to prioritize dam maintenance in the annual budget, warning that delayed action could lead to severe agricultural losses.
Key Dams in Need of Urgent Repairs
Several major irrigation and drinking water supply dams in Tamil Nadu are facing serious deterioration. Some of the most affected include:
🔹 Mettur Dam (Salem) – The lifeline of the Cauvery Delta faces shutter corrosion, leading to water seepage.
🔹 Bhavani Sagar Dam (Erode) – Farmers report poor shutter maintenance, causing irrigation delays.
🔹 Krishnagiri and Sathanur Dams – Structural engineers have recommended urgent shutter replacements due to wear and tear.
🔹 Vaigai Dam (Madurai) – Aging gates and rusted shutters impact proper water regulation for farmers.
Farmers Demand Immediate Budget Allocation
Farmer unions and irrigation experts have strongly criticized past neglect in dam infrastructure, urging the Tamil Nadu government to act decisively in the upcoming budget.
🚜 S. Palanisamy, a farmer from the Cauvery Delta region, stated:
“Without functioning shutters, water cannot be properly stored or released. Our crops suffer due to irregular water supply. The government must prioritize this issue in the budget.“
🚜 Tamil Nadu Farmers’ Association Leader R. Gopalakrishnan added:
“We demand a minimum allocation of ₹1,500 crore in the budget for urgent dam repairs and replacement of old shutters. Neglecting this could lead to a water crisis.“
Irrigation Experts Call for Long-Term Planning
Beyond immediate repairs, water management experts stress the need for long-term planning and preventive maintenance to avoid repeated issues.
Water resource expert Dr. V. Rajagopalan suggested:
“Tamil Nadu needs a dedicated ‘Dam Rehabilitation Fund’ to systematically replace aging shutters, strengthen embankments, and prevent disasters. Waiting until structures fail is not a viable solution.“
Experts emphasize that modernizing dam infrastructure will ensure:
✅ Better water retention and management
✅ Prevention of floods and uncontrolled water release
✅ Reliable irrigation supply for farmers
✅ Increased dam lifespan through proactive maintenance
Government’s Response and Budget Expectations
The Tamil Nadu Public Works Department (PWD), responsible for dam maintenance, has acknowledged the need for urgent action. A senior PWD official stated:
“We have submitted a proposal for funding dam shutter replacements under the 2025-26 budget. Priority will be given to high-risk dams first.“
Additionally, reports suggest that the Tamil Nadu government is exploring Central government assistance under schemes like the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP).
Political Leaders React
Opposition parties and political leaders have also joined the discussion, calling for higher budgetary allocations for irrigation infrastructure.
🔹 AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami criticized the DMK government for delayed action on dam safety.
🔹 BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai urged the state to seek urgent Central funds for infrastructure upgrades.
🔹 DMK leaders assured that dam repairs are under active consideration in the upcoming budget.
Social Media Reactions
The demand for dam shutter replacements has gained traction on social media, with farmers and activists using hashtags to amplify their concerns.
📢 @TN_Agriculture – “Water mismanagement is killing our crops! We demand immediate funds for dam repairs. #SaveOurDams #TNFarmers”
📢 @CauveryRights – “Mettur Dam shutters are leaking, causing wastage of precious water. Why is the govt silent? #IrrigationCrisis”
📢 @GreenTN – “Modernize Tamil Nadu’s dams NOW! We need sustainable water management. #Budget2025 #WaterSecurity”
What’s Next?
As the Tamil Nadu budget session approaches, all eyes are on whether the government will prioritize dam safety and irrigation infrastructure. With growing farmer protests and expert recommendations, the demand for adequate funding for dam shutter replacement is stronger than ever.
If the government fails to act, Tamil Nadu’s irrigation system could face major disruptions, leading to crop losses, water shortages, and financial distress for lakhs of farmers.
Conclusion
The replacement of aging dam shutters is no longer an option but an urgent necessity for Tamil Nadu’s farmers and irrigation systems. The upcoming budget will be a litmus test for the government’s commitment to water security and agricultural welfare. With increasing pressure from farmers, experts, and opposition leaders, the state must take decisive action to prevent future water crises and safeguard livelihoods.
