The Water Resources Department (WRD) has initiated action to disconnect electricity service connections to 633 pump sets used for illegally drawing water from the Kalingarayan Canal. The action follows a joint inspection by officials of the WRD and the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL), who detected unauthorised pumping across the district.

With the southwest monsoon remaining deficient, the storage level in the Bhavanisagar Dam has fallen considerably, affecting irrigation in the district. Water was released into the Kalingarayan Canal on July 14 to provide protective irrigation to standing crops. However, farmers, particularly those in the tail-end areas, complained that illegal pumping had affected the flow of water.

During the inspection, officials found pump sets and pipelines installed to draw water directly from the canal for filling wells. The violators were warned, and the WRD recommended disconnection of the electricity service connections used for the illegal pumping.

WRD officials said water had been flowing in the canal for the past 15 days. “Despite repeated warnings, water theft has been detected at 633 locations. We have recommended disconnection of the electricity service connections used for the illegal pumping, and action will be taken against those involved,” officials said. They added that the drive was aimed at ensuring equitable distribution of irrigation water and preventing hardship to farmers in the tail-end reaches of the canal.