A newly constructed barrage by Tamil Nadu’s Water Resources Department is facing an unexpected hurdle in storing Cauvery water, as it was built without prior environmental clearance from the Union government, according to officials.
During years of heavy southwest monsoon rainfall in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu receives large inflows in the Cauvery. However, the state has limited capacity to store surplus water, with storage largely possible only at Mettur, Mukkombu and Kallanai, leading to significant flows reaching the sea.
To address this, delta farmers had long urged the construction of barrages on the Kollidam river. A detailed project report was prepared during the AIADMK regime for a barrage between Adhanur in Cuddalore district and Kumaramangalam in Mayiladuthurai district. The project was allocated Rs 516 crore and construction began in 2020.
Work continued during the subsequent DMK government and was completed in January. Compensation of Rs 52 crore was paid for land acquired for the project.
Officials said the project had commenced without obtaining clearance from the Union environment ministry. An application seeking approval was submitted only in December 2024 through the Parivesh portal, and the clearance has not been granted so far, resulting in the current inability to store water. The issue has triggered strong dissatisfaction among delta farmers and environmental activists.
