Tamirabharani – Karumeniyar – Nambiyar River Linking Scheme

PRELIMS BITS

The Tamirabharani – Karumeniyar – Nambiyar River linking project will be inaugurated by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on February 7, 2025. This initiative aims to address water scarcity in the rain-shadow areas of Tamil Nadu, benefiting over 15,000 acres in regions like Nanguneri, Thisaiyanvilai, and Sattankulam.

Project Overview

• The scheme connects the Tamirabharani, Karumeniyar, and Nambiyar rivers.
• It includes the construction of a 73 km flood carrier channel to redirect surplus water from the Tamirabharani to arid regions in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi.

Financial Aspects

• The total investment for the project is ₹900 crore, funded through government borrowing, with repayment from generated revenue.
• The initiative is expected to boost agricultural productivity in the targeted areas.

Historical Context

• Development of the project began in 2011 but was delayed.
• Between 2009 and 2011, 50% of the work was completed with an initial budget of ₹205 crore.
• The current government aims to complete the project.

Water Management Strategy

• The scheme will divert 13,000 mcft of surplus water from the Tamirabharani at the third anaicut, flowing through the existing Kannadian canal for 37 km.

Infrastructure Developments

• A new barrage will be built 6.4 km downstream to facilitate water diversion, improving the canal system for irrigation.

Beneficiary Impact

• Over 30,000 beneficiaries will receive ₹203.71 crore in welfare benefits at the inauguration. The project will improve agricultural conditions in the affected regions.

Future Prospects

• The river linking project is expected to be completed within six months, benefiting 50,000 hectares of land and resolving long-standing water scarcity challenges.