TIRUPUR: The PAP Vellakovil Branch Canal (Kangayam–Vellakovil) Water Conservation Association called off its indefinite hunger strike on Friday morning after water resources department (WRD) assured farmers that an additional 10 cusecs of water would be released through the canal to meet irrigation requirements in tail-end areas.The association began the hunger strike on Thursday, demanding what it termed as the rightful share of irrigation water under Parambikulam–Aliyar Project (PAP).On Oct 18, a report published by The Times of India highlighted farmers’ concerns over inadequate water supply through the Vellakovil branch canal. Acting on the report, the superintendent engineer of Parambikulam–Aliyar Basin Circle, Pollachi, sought an explanation from officials. In response on Oct 21, the executive engineer of WRD at Thirumoorthi dam, Udumalpet, said the Vellakovil branch canal and its tail-end distributaries were in a severely dilapidated condition, resulting in substantial water loss.The official said the main canal located upstream of the Vellakovil branch canal, along with other branch and distributary canals, was drawing water meant for the Vellakovil system. In addition, the poor condition of the canal network had increased seepage and transmission losses.To compensate for the losses and ensure that irrigation water reached the end of the distribution network, officials recommended releasing an additional 10 cusecs through the Vellakovil branch canal.In a written communication, the assistant executive engineer of WRD’s ayacut extension sub-division, Kangayam, informed the association that a departmental meeting would be held within two days to discuss the additional release. The official assured farmers that 10 cusecs of extra water would be provided and steps would be taken to ensure equitable irrigation in the future.
