The Parambikulam Aliyar Project (PAP) Vellakovil Branch Canal (Kangayam-Vellakovil) Water Conservation Association has made a representation to Tiruppur district administration seeking immediate intervention in the PAP to rectify “irregularities” and ensure equitable distribution.

For several years, the administration of PAP by Water Resource Department (WRD) has lacked transparency, and “appears to prioritise vested interests”, P. Velusamy, president of the association, said in a representation to the District Collector Manish Narnaware.

The Association expressed its regret over the six-month delay in conduct of a meeting to discuss the issue.

The Association said that though it had produced data to indicate irregularities, there has been no follow-up action from the administration.

Presenting the ground realities, Mr. Velusamy said that though more than 2.5 TMC water is drawn from the Thirumoorthy Dam every wetting cycle, nearly 50 percent of the rightful share does not reach the tail-end region that accounts for only one-eighth of the command area. Water meant for the tail-end area was diverted elsewhere through “unauthorised distribution and open theft,” he said.

Citing the supposed irregularity in Pongalur Sub-Division, Mr. Velusamy said water was “unauthorisedly” being drawn in excess.

The claim of the Project Committee Chairman that the extent of cultivation was less in Kangayam and Vellakovil was incorrect. Farmers were struggling even for drinking water, livestock maintenance, and to save standing crops.

Non-formation of the Apex Committee as mandated under the Tamil Nadu Farmers’ Management of Irrigation Systems Act, 2001, reflected a serious administrative failure on the part of WRD, he said.