Farmers in Erode seek extension of Kalingarayan Canal water release
Farmers in Erode are requesting an extension of water release from the Bhavanisagar Dam to save their standing crops. The initial 15-day release was insufficient due to drought conditions and poor water reach at the tail-end of the canal.
Why it matters
Water scarcity and irrigation management are vital issues for the agricultural sector, directly impacting food security and farmer livelihoods.
The 15-day special release of water from Bhavanisagar Dam into the Kalingarayan Canal, from July 14 to July 28, to save standing crops ended on Tuesday (July 28, 2026). Farmers have now urged the Water Resources Department (WRD) to continue the supply for another 15 days, stating that water had not reached the tail-end areas of the irrigation system.
Usually, water is released into the Kalingarayan Canal for irrigation from June 16. However, the release was not made this year because of inadequate storage at the Bhavanisagar Dam. The delay has affected irrigation in 15,763 acres under the Kalingarayan ayacut.
Following representations from farmers, the WRD had released water into the canal from July 14 to July 28 as a special wetting to protect crops including sugarcane and banana.
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