Farmers advocate for swift implementation of the Nadanthai Vaazhi Cauvery project

Farmers Across Tamil Nadu Rally for Immediate Action on Nadanthai Vaazhi Cauvery Project

Under the scorching midday sun, hundreds of farmers from Tamil Nadu's Cauvery delta region stood with parched soil in their hands and desperation in their voices. Their collective plea was simple yet urgent: the state government must stop delaying and immediately begin work on the crucial Nadanthai Vaazhi Cauvery project that could transform their drought-stricken farmlands.  

The protest at the Cauvery Technical Bank in Trichy brought together agricultural workers from Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, and surrounding districts, many holding withered crops as stark evidence of their worsening water crisis. For 58-year-old paddy farmer R. Senthil from Kumbakonam, this was more than just another demonstration – it was a fight for survival. "Last year, I lost nearly half my harvest because the canals ran dry," he said, his calloused hands clutching a bundle of shriveled rice stalks. "The government keeps making promises, but we need action before we lose everything."  

First proposed in 2017 and officially approved in 2019, the ₹1,800-crore Nadanthai Vaazhi Cauvery project was designed as a comprehensive solution to the delta's irrigation woes. The plan includes modernizing over 1,200 kilometers of aging canals, building hundreds of new check dams, and implementing advanced water management systems. Yet four years later, farmers say they've seen little more than paperwork and empty assurances while their fields turn to dust.  

The situation has become increasingly dire as climate change disrupts traditional rainfall patterns. Agricultural scientist Dr. N. Parvathi, who has studied the delta's water systems for decades, warns that the region is approaching a tipping point. "We're seeing saltwater intrusion in coastal areas as groundwater levels drop," she explained. "The canal systems we rely on were built a century ago and simply can't meet today's needs. Every day of delay makes the problem harder to reverse."  

Local officials acknowledge the frustrations but point to complex challenges in implementing such a massive infrastructure project. Land acquisition disputes, environmental clearances, and bureaucratic hurdles have all contributed to the slow progress. "We're working as fast as we can within the system," said a PWD engineer who asked not to be named. "These things take time, especially when dealing with water rights and inter-district allocations."  

For the farmers gathered in Trichy, such explanations ring hollow as they watch their livelihoods disappear. Many have taken to sleeping near irrigation canals to guard what little water arrives, while others have sent family members to work in urban construction sites. "My son left for Chennai last month," shared 45-year-old Lakshmi from Thiruvarur, her voice breaking. "He said there's no future in farming if even the Cauvery can't sustain us anymore."  

As the protest concluded, the farmers issued a firm ultimatum: if visible work on the project doesn't begin within 30 days, they will escalate to road blockades and mass demonstrations across the delta region. With the next planting season approaching and monsoon forecasts uncertain, their patience has clearly run dry – much like the canals they depend on.