The Chief Minister launches Athikadavu Avinasi Project

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated the Athikadavu & Avinashi project on August 17 through a video presentation at the Chief Secretariat. The project, implemented at a cost of ₹1,916.41 crore, aims to benefit 24,468 acres of irrigated land across Erode, Tiruppur, and Coimbatore districts by filling 1,045 lakes and ponds with water. The project was initiated to utilise surplus water from the Bhavani River to support agricultural activities in the region.

The opening ceremony for the first water station, set up near the Bhavani Kalingarayan dam, marked the commencement of the project. Ministers Muthusamy and Saminathan, along with district collectors and other officials, were present at the event. The project includes a main pipeline that is 105 kilometres long and 8 feet in diameter, and a feeder line of approximately 165 kilometres to direct water to the ponds.

Housing Minister Muthusamy highlighted the challenges faced in implementing the project, including the need to acquire land in three motor pump areas. These challenges were overcome with the cooperation of farmers and local organisations, allowing the project to proceed.

With the arrival of surplus water in the Bhavani River, the project will now send 1.5 TMC of water from the Kalingarayan dam area to the designated ponds over 70 days. While some repairs are still needed in certain areas, the government has taken steps to ensure the successful completion of the project, including compensation for farmers whose land was used. The project contractor, Larsen & Toubro, will maintain the system for the next five years.

Minister Muthusamy expressed gratitude to the farmers and organisations for their cooperation and emphasised the government's commitment to completing the project to benefit the region's farmers.