Revive channel to bring water from Vaigai river to Paravai tank, says HC
Petitioner seeks a direction to authorities to build a check dam across Vaigai between Thenur and Kodimangalam to bring water to the tank, which is one of the biggest irrigation tanks in the district
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has directed the authorities to revive a water channel in Madurai district and ensure that water from Vaigai river reaches Paravai tank.
The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed in 2022 by A. Antonydoss of Paravai, who sought a direction to the authorities to construct a proposed check dam across Vaigai river between Thenur and Kodimangalam to bring water to Paravai tank.
Paravai tank was one of the biggest irrigation tanks in Madurai district. The natural flow of water from the Vaigai to the tank was affected following the floods in 1979. Thereafter, it was completely neglected resulting in Paravai tank not getting filled to its full capacity and irrigation activities coming to a grinding halt, he said.
He said following representations made in this connection, ₹18 crore was earmarked to construct a check dam across Vaigai river between Thenur and Kodimangalam to revive the water channel. However, no progress was made. If the water tank was filled to its full capacity, it would not only facilitate the revival of agricultural activities, but also improve the groundwater level in and around Paravai, he said.
He sought a direction to the authorities to remove
Prosopis juliflora (seemai karuvelam) in Paravai tank, construct a check dam across the Vaigai, revive the water channel and bring water to Paravai tank.
A Division Bench of Justices G.R. Swaminathan and B. Pugalendhi observed that the authorities ought to ensure that the existing water channel was maintained. They were duty bound to revive the channel and restore it to its original condition.
The authorities submitted that water was now being supplied through Periyar main canal. The court observed that it did not address the issue.