Assembly speaker releases water from Kariyandi anicut

Tamil Nadu Speaker releases water from Kariyandi anicut to connect rivers and provide relief to drought-prone regions.

Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Speaker M. Appavu on Sunday released water from the Kariyandi anicut, where the surplus water from Tamirabharani-Karumeniyar-Nambiyar interlinking canal was stored.

The primary objective of this interlinking project is to connect Tamirabharani with Nambiyar and Karumeniyar, redirecting the surplus water of the perennial Tamirabharani river to the drought prone regions of Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts such as Radhapuram, Thisayanvilai, Nanguneri, Sattankulam and Udangudi.

Addressing the media, the Speaker said that following the recent floods in Tamirabharani river, the water released from the interlinking canal has been stored at the Kariyandi anicut for the past two days.

He emphasised that the current release from the Kariyandi anicut to various locations including, Karumeniyar, ML Theri, Idaiyangudi tank, Ayankulam basin, Vijayanarayanam tank and Nambiyar will benefit many people.

He also highlighted an issue where unknown individuals had opened sluices near the Thidiyur canal, causing the floodwater to be diverted into the sea. This has resulted in a reduced water supply to the intended regions. However, the Water Resources Department is working to address and rectify the situation, he added.

Tirunelveli Lok Sabha Member C. Robert Bruce and other officials were present at the event.