Maintenance work on the barrage near the Pillur III headworks at Samayapuram village in Coimbatore district began on May 7, 2026 (Thursday).

The Pilloor III drinking water scheme, one of the major water sources for Coimbatore Corporation, draws water from River Bhavani.

Water released from the Pilloor Dam flows around 13 km downstream to the Pillur III headworks near the barrage operated by Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation Limited (TNGEC) at Samayapuram village, which serves as the raw water intake point for the scheme.

According to the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage (TWAD) Board officials, annual maintenance is carried out at the barrage during summer before the onset of monsoon and continuous water flow. TNGEC has undertaken the maintenance work to strengthen the structure ahead of increased inflow during the rainy season.

Coimbatore Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran inspected the works and directed officials to complete them at the earliest, as supply of 90 MLD of water under the Pillur III scheme would remain suspended during the period.

Officials said the maintenance work was expected to be completed within four days.

Meanwhile, the Corporation has arranged to draw additional water from the Pilloor II scheme to maintain drinking water supply in the city and minimise disruptions during the maintenance period.