CHAPTER TWO

DAM IRRIGATION

Besides river irrigation, dams are considered as the best source of irrigation in

Tirunelveli District. Constructed across rivers to store vast quantity of water, dams can be

used for irrigation in times of scarcity and for generating hydro-electric power. Besides that,

they are essential not only for flood control but for public water supply, boating services,

recreation and for human consumption.' The modern dams serve many of these purposes.

Moreover, in recent times, the growth of population coupled with the development of

agriculture necessitated the construction of dams for the storage of water. In addition,

assured irrigation is possible only under major projects, especially dams.2

Locally, in Tamil, dam is termed as anicut. In recent times, the water requirement is

higher in towns, cities and industrial centres. While many other things can be created

mechanically food grains can't be manufactured that way, but could be cultivated only with

the aid of water. 3 In this context dams assure irrigation for substantial increase in food

production and supply of protected drinking water. During the monsoon, large quantity of

water flows over the rivers and is entirely wasted into the sea. To bring more and more area

under cultivation, to feed water to the tail-end regions, and to preserve surplus water,

construction of dams across rivers is the only option.4

Indian agriculture depends mainly on the South West and North East monsoons. The

South West monsoon (June to September) which sweeps across North India from the West

Madras Information Report, Madras 1952, p.41.

2 K.S.Kunjithapatham,Fundamentals of Dam Building, Madras, 1960, p.54.

3 D.l.PauI, 'The New Irrigation Era', Journal of the Irrigation Branch, No.3, P.W.D, Madras, 1955, p.18.

C.B. Mamoria, Agricultural Geography. Vol. 1 IJdaipur.1981. p.248.

50

coast of Gujarat right up to Assam and North East Frontier States brings copious rain. If this

monsoon fails, the country's food budget slips into unmanageable difficulty. 1m Besides, owing

to the benefits of the South West monsoon, North India has the advantage of the great

perennial rivers like Ganga, Jamuna, Bramaputra and other rivers flowing from the snow

covered Himalayas. On the other hand, in peninsular India, the South is a quasi desert

although its east coast gets showers from the North East monsoon (October to December).5

Tirunelveli district too obtains abundant water in the North East monsoon season. Dams

thus, become the essential requisite to store the rain water for cultivation of agricultural

crops

During the primitive age, there was no major dam to irrigate Tirunelveli district,

though the important occupation of the people was agriculture. Since Tambraparni is the

main source of irrigation in Tirunelveli district, the government decided to tap its water to the

maximum:6 The pre-British rulers of Tirunelveli district, particularly the Pandyas, the Naiks,

the representatives of the Nawabs, the local Zamindas and the philanthropists constructed

numerous minor dams across the river Tambraparni and Chittar several centuries ago. Before

the Britishers took the administration of the district in their control, there were seven minor

dams: The British administrators built one minor darn at Srivaikuntam across the river

Tambraparni in the later part of the nineteenth century7 thus adding one more to the total

number of minor dams and they are namely the Kodamelalagian dam, Nadhiunni dam,

Kannadian dam, Aryanayakipuram dam, Suthamalli dam, Palavoor dam, Marudur dam and

Srivaikuntam dam.8

A 1-land Book of Indian Agriculture, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi 1960, p.2.

Tirunelveli District, Guide to the Records from 1796 to 1835, Madras (ND) p.1.

R.Caldwell, A History of Tirunelveli, New Delhi, 1982, p.63.

ll.R.Pate, Tirunelvelly District Gazetteer, Tirunelveli, 1916, p.124.

51

odamelalagian Dam

The first minor dam across the river Tambraparni was built at the head of the river

imbraparni, locally called as Thalaiyani or first anaicut. 9 Originally it was a primitive

ucture, but in course of time, due to floods, greater part of the dam had been swept away.

ierefore, in order to strengthen the dam, the British administrators undertook renovation

Drk. Moreover, 1-lorsely, the Civil Engineer, decided to construct a new dam at the same

ace where the first dam was constructed. With this view in mind, he prepared an estimate

1854 and submitted it to the government for its approval. But, as it did not materialize

d, in the subsequent period, instead of constructing a new one, the old structure was

engthened with gigantic granite stones, with a total length of 1084 feet, with two head

tices one each on either side. The dam so strengthened prevented the flood of the river

ich brings heavy water in rainy season. 10 Two channels namely the North Kodamelalagian

annel and South Kodamelalagian channel branch off from above the dam. The sluices of

dam regulated water supply to the channels" which duly fill in seventeen tanks in

ithasamudram taluk. It is estimated that more than 11,130 acres of land get irrigation

i1ity from this anicut directly. Since this dam is situated on the upper reaches of

Lmbraparni river, double crops is raised in this area every year.'2

idhiyunni Dam

Next to Kodamelalagian dam, the Nadhiyunni dam occupies an important place in the

mhraparni irrigation system. Located about a mile and half below Kodamelalagian dam in

Iministrative Report of the Public Works Department for the year 1855-56, Madras, 1856, p.31.

'roceedings of the Madras Government (P.W.D, Irrigation), Madras dated 31st March 1875.

Descriptive Booklet on the important Irrigation Projects in the Madras State, Part I P.W.D. Madras, 1955,).53.

[rrigation and Water Resources inrunelveli District, P.W.D. Tirunelveli, 1963, p.28.

52

the Mela Ambasamudram village, Nadhiunni literally means that which "drinks up the river",

Divergent views are expressed regarding the origin of this anicut. The natives of the

neighbourhood areas say that the dam was originally built across the Tambraparni river by

Pandya kings and later repaired and strengthened by Khan Sahib who occupied this area in

the middle of181hcentury. 13

The anicut is made up of huge stones without using cement

m ortar for a total length of 1680 feet. Its height is 5 feet. It stands in oblique angle on the

urse of the river. The anicut gives off one channel on the left bank of the river known as

iyunni channel. There is one head sluice with two vents, which regulate the supply of

;ater to the channel. The Nadhiyunni anicut irrigates more than 2460 acres of land in the

illages of Mela Ambasamudram, Keela Ambasamudram, Brahmedesam and Settaaipathu in

"rnbasamudram taluk.' 4 Irrigation here is practically direct. The construction of this anicut

help the peasants convert much barren and dry land into cultivable land, which pave the way

)r the overall development of the socio-economic life of the tenants of Ambasamudram

taluk of Tirunelveli district. 15

Kannadian Dam

The Kannadian dam, the third one constructed across Tambraparni river, is located

about a mile and a half away from the Nadhiyanni dam. The dam is situated just below the

iction of the Manimuttar river with the Tambraparni. It was built by using cut stones with

rong foundation of solid rocks. Being nine feet height with a top width of six feet, the

gth of the anicut is 1700 feet. 16 '['he Kannadian channel takes off from the right side of the

.!:it (southern side) The Kannadian anicut, a substantial and considerable one, was

.Caldwell.pcjt p.64.

J.O.No.281 P.W.D (Irrigation) dated th1 May 1880,

Descriptive Booklet on the important Irrigation Projects in the Madras State, Part I, P.W.D. Madras, 1955,p.52.

'.Caldwell op.cit, p.64.

53

repaired by Captain Horsely in 1880. 17 There is only one head sluice on the anicut with 4

vents of 4' x 6', each. The anicut supplies water to 17 tanks through Kannadian channel. The

tanks are located in Gopalasamudram, Sermadevi, Pattamadai and Viravanalloor villages.

The anicut feeds water directly to many fields and it irrigates about 11669 acres of land in the

above villages in Ambasamudram taluk. Double crop is raised in these areas with the help of

the Kannadian dam water. The lands served by it are noted for fertility and good yield. As a

result of the construction of this anicut, more dry lands have been brought under cultivation

in Veeravanalloor, Gopalasamudram and Sermadevi areas, which enhance the economic and

social life of the people. 18 Caldwell places the date of the construction of the anicut between

fourteenth and sixteenth centuries. There is a story about the origin of the Kannadian

anicut.19

Aryanayakipuram Dam

The next barrier across the river Tambraparni is the Aryanayakipuram dam situated

six miles below the Kannadian dam, and three miles below the Junction of the Gadananadhi,

a tributary of Tambraparni. Constructed near the village Ariyanayakipuram, the dam hence

derives its name from the name of the village and this anicut has nothing to do with

Aryanalthamudali, a famous minister of Nayaks of Madurai. 2° The anicut was made up of

17 G.O.No.256, P.W.D (Irrigation) dated 15th May 1905.

G.O.No.3871, P.W.D (Irrigation) dated 21' September 1909.

19 The story is that once a Kannadian Brahmin saint healed the incurable diseases of a king, who had his seat atVellore. For curing his disease the king presented fabulous wealth to the Saint Kannadian. With that wealthSaint Kannadian came to the south with the intention of performing some charity. The Kannadian approachedrishi Agastya who was residing in Potigai hills in Tirunelveli district. The rishi Agastya advised him toconstruct an anicut along with a channel across the river Tambraparni. To give him a line for the channel acow was allowed to go on its way. Saint Kannadian was instructed to cut a channel on the way the cowmoved and to dig ponds and tanks where ever the cow sat on its own way. It arrived on its way at Melaevoland after sometime it disappeared. A tank was cut off and called as "Kanamal ponaperi". It is the last placeat which the cow disappeared, likewise a channel was dug out known as Kannadian channel. The lower tanksfed by the Kannadian channel are late additions not constructed by saint Kannadian. (H.R.Pate, op.cit.,pp. 124-125).

20 Bishop.P.R. Caldwell. Qpcjt, p.66.

54

rough stones and its body wall is built with stone and bricks. The length of the anicut is 2337

feet. The dam has a head sluice of 4 vents, 4'x 5' each. The Kodagan channel takes off from

the right side of the anicut, and supplies water to 11 tanks located in Aryanayakipuram and

Melacheval villages .21 The construction of this anicut facilitated the irrigation of 3000 acres

of land directly and 3000 acres of land indirectly in Ariyanayakipuram village and its

surrounding areas. Consequently lands under this irrigation system yield double crops, which

enhance the economic prosperity of the people of the area. 22

Suthamalli Dam

The Suthamalli dam, the fifth minor dam in the line of old dams across the

Tambraparni river, is situated in the village of Suthamalli in Tirunelveli taluk. Named after

the village Suthamalli the anicut is a primitive one, built by a Pandya king with huge stones

without cement mortar. 23 At Suthamalli, the river is four times wider at this point. The dam

has a head sluice with 4 vents of 4' x 6' each in size. The 17 miles long Tirunelveli channel

with 67 sluices takes off from the Suthamalli dam, and supplies water to twenty tanks in

Tirunelveli taluk. 24 The head sluice of the dam was frequently strengthened. After the

strengthening of the sluice, supply of water from the dam was regulated for irrigational tanks

and agricultural fields. The total length of the dam is 2737 feet. The Suthamalli dam

irrigates about 6294 acres of land in the villages Alankaraperi, Arukankulam, Palamadai,

Rajavallipuram and Senthimangulam in Tirunelveli taluk. After the construction of this dam,

the peasants of Suthamalli village and its surrounding places, cultivate double crops such as

paddy, bananas, chillies, cotton, gingili, groundnuts and vegetables regularly. In addition,

21 Descriptive Booklet on the Important Irrigation Project in Madras State. Part I P.W.E), Madras 1955, p.55

22 Irrigation and Water Resources in Tirunelveli District, P.W.D, Tirunelveli, p.29.

23 l.R.Pate op Lt , p.1 72.

24 A Stone Slab on the Northern side of the Suthamalli anicut.

55

barren lands have been brought under cultivation. 25 As a consequence of this anicut the

fertility of the soil in and around Suthamalli is enhanced, and the land value too increased

gradually.

Palavoor Dam

The sixth important minor dam across the river Tambraparni is the Palavoor anicut

situated in Palavoor village of Tirunelvcli taluk. The five dams constructed across the river

Tambraparni by the then administrators were not sufficient to cultivate lands in Tirunelveli

district. So the rulers felt the need for constructing the Palavoor dam. It was constructed by

using huge rocks with solid foundation. 26 'I'he river Pachaiyar, a tributary of Tambraparni,

confluences at Taruvai near Palavoor village. The total length of the dam is 2400 feet; it has

a head sluice of 4 vents of 5' x 5' each in size. The Palayam channel takes off from the

Palavoor anicut and irrigates more than 8376 acres of land in Taruvai, Vagaikulam,

Udayarkulam, Thiruthu, Palavoor and Palayanmkottai areas. The construction of the

Palavoor dam enriched the agricultural land of this area. Double crops such as paddy,

bananas, vegetables, chillies, cotton, gingelly and groundnut are raised which enhance the

economic prosperity and social status of the people of the district. 27 Moreover, some Tamil

inscriptions found engraved on the crest of the dam inform us that the Collectors of

Tirunelveli District between 1 808 and 1820 undertook renovation and repair work.28

Marudur Dam

Marudur dam is the seventh and the last of the pre-British minor dams constructed

across the river Tambraparni in Tirunelveli district. Of all the minor dams on the

25 Report on Tambraparni Irrigation system, P.W.D (Irrigation) Madras, 1956, No.3132.

26 Taluk profile of Irrigation statistics, P.W.D (Irrigation), Tirunelveli, 1948, p.6.

27 Proceeding of the Madras Government. P.W.D, dated 3l March. 1875, No. 642.

28 Personal observation on dam site. 201h November, 2000.

56

Tambraparni the one which supplies water to the largest extent of paddy cultivation is the

Marudur dam. The anicut is situated twelve miles west of Srivaikuntam, in Marudur village

of Srivaikuntam taluk, and made up of huge stones. The blocks of stone had been thrown

together without any binding material. Hence, the stones seem to be irregular and horseshoe

shaped .29 The anicut gives off two channels, namely Marudur Melakal and Marudur

Keelakal channels, both on the right and left side of the dam. There is a head sluice of 5

vents with 5' x 4' each in size, which supply water to more than 22 tanks in Srivaikuntam

taluk and irrigates more than 20,000 acres of land in Murapanadu, Vittalapuram,

Karungulam, Alwarthirunagari, Sivakalai, Sreemoolakarai and Marudur villages of

Srivaikuntam taluk.3° As a consequence of the construction of the anicut, the tenants

undertook agricultural work systematically by raising double crops.

The above mentioned seven minor dams constructed before the establishment of

British raj in Tirunelveli District, were not sufficient to meet the growing irrigational

requirement of the tenants. Moreover in times of monsoon, especially the North East

monsoon which brings heavy flood in the Tambraparni river, the excess water could not be

stored in the above mentioned anicuts. Therefore, a large quantity of water wasted in to the

Gulf of mannar for want of proper storage reservoirs.31

Srivaikuntam Dam

Srivaikuntam minor dam is one of the remarkable creations of the colonial

government in Tirunelveli district. It was the last dam built across the river Tambraparni,

located in Puthugudi village of Srivaikuntam taluk, Tirunelveli district. Before the

construction of this anicut, heavy floods overflowed from the Marudur dam and was wasted

29 I-l.R.Pate, op.cit, p.172.

° Descriptive Booklet on the Important Irrigation Projects in Madras State. Part I. 1955, P. 54.

31 V.S.Padmanabha Iyer, A Short Account of Tirunelveli District, Madras, 1933, p.'8.

57

between Srivaikuntam and the sea for a distance of twenty miles: Nearly 12000 acres of land

which was poorly irrigated on the support of Marudur dam needed further water. 32 Besides,

the tail end regions could not get proper supply. Therefore, to overcome these problems, an

anicut at Srivaikumtam was felt essential and need of the hour. An anicut at Srivaikuntam

was felt essential as a large tract of land could be benefited by direct irrigation. Puekie,

Collector of Tirunelveli district, assured the Government that the lands which were

insufficiently irrigated on the support of Marudur anicut, would surely give a good yield in

the event of constructing an anicut at Srivaikuntam.33

Thus, knowing the importance of the dam, the British officials designed a project at

Srivaikuntam with main channels intended both for irrigation and navigation to Tuticorin on

the north, and Tiruchendur and Kulasekharapattinam on the south. A provision was also

made for supply of drinking water from this dam to Tutieorin. Many British officials took

effective steps to speed up the work.34

The Srivaikuntam anicut project was first suggested by Captain. L.H.Horsely, the

District Civil Engineer in 1855, who prepared the first estimate. Accordingly, the scheme

provided for building an anicut at Srivaikuntam over Tambraparni river with two main

channels for irrigation, an over bridge, and to give drinking water to Tuticorin and to feed

numerous tanks situated in the Tiruchendur, Kulasekharapattinam and Tuticorin areas. Since

this project was felt absolutely necessary, the Court of Directors sanctioned the estimated

amount of Rs.3.80 lakhs in 1 857. 35 Even though money was sanctioned, the work did not

32 Selection from the Records relating to the Construction of the Srivaikuntam Anicut, Madras (N.D), p.4.

ll.R.Pate op.cit, p.174.

Extract from the Proceedings of the Chief Engineer in the Department of the Public Works, Madras dated 13thDecember 1855, No.3537.

Proceedings of Captain L.l!.l!orsely in the Department of Public Works. Madras, December 1885, No.3539.

58

commence until 1862, due to the outbreak of Sepoy mutiny in 1857.36 Subsequently, the

Indian administration came under the direct supervision of the Crown. In order to get the

good will of the people, Lord Canning, the new Viceroy, undertook many developmental

measures in agriculture, irrigation, civil service, and land reforms. However, irrigation got

the priority and special attention of the Viceroy. As such, the Srivaikuntam dam got the

utmost priority of the Government. 37

Therefore, in 1867 Puckle the Collector of Tirunelveli district showed tremendous

enthusiasm and urged the government for the immediate execution of the work. Within a

year, the ryots subscribed Rs.20,000 to construct the dam. 38 In the meantime, owing to the

great rise in cost of labour and materials, the original estimate was found completely

inadequate. So in 1867 H.H.Penderghost, the Engineer prepared a revised estimate for the

project amounting to Rs.7,50,000. 39 The subscription of the ryots also increased from

Rs.20,000 to Rs.32,450. Meanwhile estimate of Penderghost was returned on account of

financial constraints. Subsequently Lieutenant R.E. Shephered prepared a revised estimate.

On February 1869, the government of India sanctioned the first revised estimate of

Rs.8,3 1,600 for construction work of the dam. 40 In 1872, the government accepted the

second revised estimate, and the area irrigated was also calculated at 30,000 acres. in the

meantime, owing to the contractor and labour problems again, the work stood still for some

times. After sometime, the third revised estimate for Rs. 10,40,480 was submitted after

inspecting the site by Acting Engineer in June 1874 to the government and the government of

36 Proceedings of the Board of Revenue dated 29 August 1867, No.56 10.

G.O.No. 1625 (P.W.D) dated 24' September 1 859.

38 Letter from R.K.Puckle, Collector of 'l'irunelveli to the Secretary to the Board of Revenue dated 6 1 March,1867, No. 108.

Selections from the Records relating to the construction of the Srivaikuntam anicut, Madras, (N.D), p.6.

40 Administrative Report of the Public Works Department, Madras, 1867-1868, p.23.

59

India acknowledged the revised estimate. 41 The construction of the work then went on

gradually. In 1883, the Madras government submitted the last revised estimate amount for

Rs.14,96,609. The government of India acknowledged the revised estimate and the

construction work gained further momentum. The works on the southern and northern side

of the dam were in an advanced stage of completion. The regulating sluices and the head

sluice were completed before 1889. 42 The head sluice was aimed to regulate water to

Kadamba tank, and also to eleven more tanks, below the Kadamba tank. In the meantime,

from 1 873 onwards, Tuticorin received its supply of drinking water from the anicut. Two

channels taking off from above the anicut, known as Northern channel and Southern channel

supply water to various tanks in Srivaikuntam and Tiruchendur taluks. The extent of new

irrigation areas in the Northern and Southern sides of the anicut considerably increased. 43

The construction of the dam which actually began in 1868 was completed only after

twenty one years. The dam work encountered a lot of difficulties before its completion in

1889. From the very commencement of the work, the dam faced repeated damages owing to

heavy flood and incessant rains. In view of this, the total expenditure increased manifold and

beyond expectation. 44 The construction of the Srivaikuntam dam was completed with the

total expense of Its. 18,96,809 in 1889. 45 The dam was built with brick and chunam and laid

with cut stones to a length of 1380 and the height of 37.40 feet above the sea level, and breath

15.5 feet with fourteen sluices. The level of the vent of the head sluice is 31.40 feet. The

flood banks above and below the dam were regulated after the construction of North main

° Inspection Note of the Acting Chief Engineer dated 19th January 1876. No. 274.

42 Proceedings of the Government of Madras Public works Department dated l6'' April 1887, No.272.

4.3 Reprint of old Records about the Construction of the Srivaikuntam anicut. Madras, Tirunelveli District, March1920, p.9.

Il.R.pate. 9pcjt, p.176.

G.O.No.3351 P.W.D dated 8t)1 June 1889.

I]

channel from the Srivaikuntam dam. The river was provided with a flood bank of its own

from Mangalakurichi and Mukkani.46

The two channels, namely the North main channel and the South main channel dug

out from the Srivaikuntam dam supplies water to Arumugamangalam tank, the first big tank

under the system. Through another sluice, water from the dam is supplied to a number of

lower tanks by way of calingula. The South main channel supplies water to Kadamba tank,

the biggest tank in Tirunelveli District and the lower tanks derived their water from the

Kadamba tank sluices. 47 The total area irrigated by Srivaikuntam dam was estimated as more

than 25,560 acres of land, for raising double crops in Srivaikuntam and Tiruchendur taluk of

Tirunelveli district. The minimum discharge of the dam was 21,000 cubic yards per hour.

After irrigating a large tract of land in Srivaikuntam and Tiruchendur taluk, the river

Tambraparni enters in to the Gulf of Mannar near the ancient port of Korkai. 48 The

Srivaikuntam dam was the last of the eight minor dams constructed across the river

Tambraparni.

Minor Barricades

Apart from these minor dams, a number of small barricades or crosswalls were

constructed across the river Chittar, Tambraparni, its tributaries and other minor rivers.

These are also locally known as anieuts, for diverting water to various channels, tanks and

fields from the rivers.

Chittar basin barricades

The river Chittar, a major river is barred by 17 barricades, situated in Tenkasi,

Veerakeralamputtoor and Tirunelveli taluks. During the monsoon seasons, the river brings a

46 Reprint of old records about the Construction of the Srivaikuntam anicut, Madras, Tirunelveli District, March,1920, p.10.

G.O.No.7681. P.W.D, dated 1 1th September 1896.

Descriptive Booklet on the important irrigation projects in Madras State. Part 1, 1955. p.76.

61

large quantity of water, which is being diverted by these diversion weirs to facilitate

cultivation in the Chittar basin areas. These barricades together feed 118 tanks and help to

irrigate about 2645 hectares of land in these region S.49

Among the seventeen barricades built across the river Chittar, the Thalaianicut was

the first barricade, situated at the upper reaches of the river Chittar in the Courtallam hills of

Tenkasi taluk. The Thalaianicut crosswall or barricade provided irrigation facility to

cultivate about 1342 acres of land in Melakaram, Ayrperi, Kannanalloor and Mattalamparai

villages directly. 50

Adivattamparai anicut, the second important barricade built across the river Chittar in

Elangi village of Tenkasi taluk, helps to irrigate about 92 acres of land in Elangi and

Courtallam villages, besides feeding four tanks in these regions.

Valvilankudi anicut a minor barricade built across the river Chittar in Valvilankudi

village in 'I'enkasi taluk, provides water supply to one major tank and helps to irrigate more

than 71 .5 acres of land in Ayraperi, Valvilankudi and Chillaraiparai villages located in

Tenkasi taluk.

Puviyoor anicut another significant cross wall across the river Chittar in Puviyoor

village gives water supply to fill 8 tanks and irrigates about 659 acres of land in Puviyoor,

Pattakurichi, and Sundrapandiapuram villages situated in Tenkasi taluk.

Pavoor anicut built across the river Chittar at Keelapavoor village, provides water

supply to 5 tanks and helps to irrigate more than 1451 acres of land in Keelapavoor,

Melapavoor and Nagalapuram villages in Tenkasi taluk.5'

49 Notes on Irrigation system in Tirunelveli District, P.W.D, Madras, 1964, p.9.

50 Tenkasi taluk channels and Tank Register, P.W.D (Irrigation Section) Tenkasi, 2000, p.2.

51 Irrigation and Water Resources in Tirunelveli District P.W.D, Tirunelveli, 1963, p.16.

62

Chittambalam anicut locally called Thiruchittambalam barricade built across the river

Chittar in Thiruchittambalam village, gives water supply to 4 tanks and 498 acres of land in

Surandai and Thiruchitambalam villages in Tenkasi taluk.

Maranthai anicut, a notable crosswall built across the river Chittar in Melakoil village

in Veerakeralamputhoor taluk, helps to provide water supply to 17 tanks and irrigates about

853 acres of land in Veerakal, Puliyankulam, Pullankulam, Pullakurichi, Chettikulam and

Sivalarkulam villages Veerakeralamputhoor taluk.52

Veeranam anicut, the eighth one in the series of barricades constructed across the

river Chittar in the village of Veeranam, supplies water to four tanks and irrigates about 887

acres of land in the villages olVeeranam, Kidaramkulam and Akram in Veeakeralamputhoor

taluk.

Manoor anicut, one of the major barricades under the Chittar irrigation system, built

across the river Chittar in Manoor village, provides water to feed 17 tanks and helps to

irrigate 1289 acres of land, which are, spread over in the villages of Mayamankurichi,

Naranaperi, Vettoor, Manoor, Thegapatti and Mavadi in Tirunelveli taluk.

Nalloor anicut, the next important barricade in Nalloor village, built across the river

Chittar, gives water supply to 5 tanks and benefits to cultivate about 487 acres of land in

Nalloor, Kadanganeri and Kaduvetti villages in Veerakeralamputhoor taluk.

Pallikottai anicut, a popular barricade constructed across the river Chittar, supplies

water to 12 tanks and 706 acres of land situated in the villages of Kurichikulam, Keelakudi,

Vagaikulam, Kannarpatti and Pallikottai in Tirunelveli taluk.

52 Agriculture and Irrigation Development Board Annual Report for 1906, Madras, 1906, p.12.

63

The next anicut, Ukkirakottai, constructed across the river Chittar at Ukkirankottai

village, provides water supply to one major tank and helps to irrigate 192 acres of land in

these regions. .53

Alagiapandipuram anicut built across the river Chittar in Alagiapandipuram village,

gives water supply to 2 tanks and provides irrigation to 125 acres of land in

Alagiapandipuram village in Tirunclveli taluk.

Pillaiyarkulam anicut, an important barricade helps to feed 2 tanks and provides water

for irrigation of about 206 acres of land in Pillaiyarkulam village in Tirunelveli taluk.

Piranchacri barricade, constructed across the river Chittar, provides water to feed 5

tanks and about 263 acres of land in the villages of Chithram and Sannathi Puthukudi in

Tirunelveli taluk.54

Gangaikondan anicut, the last significant cross wall in the Chittar river, gives water to

feed 2 tanks and helps to cultivate about 452 acres of land in Gangaikondan and

Pathinalamperi villages in Tirunelveli taluk.55

Hanumanadhi river based barricades

Hanumanadhi, one of the major tributaries of Chittar, gives way for 15 barricades,

built across river Chittar at the required places. These fifteen anicuts together fills 61 tanks,

which are spread over in Tenkasi, Scnkottah and Verakeralamputhoor taluks and also

Irrigation and Water Resources in Tirunelveli District P.W.D (Irrigation, Tambraparni circle) Tirunelveli,1999, p.60.

Descriptive Booklet on Anicuts, Channels and Tanks in Tirunelveli District P.W.D, Tirunelveli, 1963, p.2.

Proceedings of the Board of Revenue, Madras, dated 10th November, 1938, No.7339.

64

irrigates directly about 2950 acres of land, and through its feeding tanks, more than 6600

acres of land situated in various villages of these taluks.56

The Karuppanadhi is barred by 6 barricades namely, the Perungal anicut, Pappan

anicut, Vairavankal anicut, Idaikal anicut, Kilangadu anicut and the Urmelalagian anicut, and

Fills 75 tanks. Together they irrigate about 3830 hectares of land in the villages of Edaikal,

Kilangadu, Kadayanalloor, Chokkambatti, Pappankal and Urmelalagian in Tenkasi taluks.57

The Kundar based barricades were constructed across the river Kundar, a major

tributary of Chittar. There are seven barricades built across the river Kundar, namely,

Maravankal anicut, Chambodai anicut, Nalloor anicut, Sonthakatter anicut, Thenkal anicut

and the Piranoor anicut. From these barricades, 13 tanks get water supply and together they

irrigate about 1200 acres of land in the villages of Puthoor, Kalangattandi, Kunnakudi and

Aryamarthandaperi in Senkottah and 'l'enkasi taluks.55

The Five Falls river gives way for four barricades namely Chembuli anicut,

Pappakudi anicut, Piramanapathu anicut and Elangi anicut which together irrigate about 1339

acres of land directly in the villages of Elangi, Pappakudi and Pramanapattu in Tenkasi taluk

and makes the region fertile.

Harihara river is barred with eight barricades such as Perumpathu anicut, Mykal

anicut, Pandian pillai anicut, Nclliyadi anicut, Aryamarthandam anicut, Puthoor anicut,

56 The fifteen barricades of l-Ianumanadhi are Mettukal anicut, Karisalperi anicut, Panpuli anicut, Vallakulamanicut, Elattoor anicut, Nainagaram anicut, Kilamgadu anicut, Punkankal anicut, Kampili anicut,Samhavarvadakarai anicut, Reddaikulam anicut, Sundarapandiapuram anicut, Surandal anicut,Arumthavapratti ?juicit, Adavikattu anicut. (Irrigation and Water Sources in Tirunelveli District, P.W.1)Tirunelveli, 1963. p. 28).

Irrigation and Water Resources in Tirunelveli District P.W.D (Irrigation, Tambraparni Circle) Tirunelveli,1999, p.61.

Administrative Report of the Public Works Department, 1951-1952, Madras, p.26.

65

Kalangathandi anicut and Kunnakudi anicut. From these anicuts II tanks are filled and

together they help to irrigate about 1140 acres of land in Kuttukal valasai, Senkottah,

Kunnakudi and Tcnkasi taluks.

Aluthakanniar provides eight cross walls namely Thalai anicut, Senkulam anicut,

Mathalamperi anicut, Maravaneri anicut, Kandamangalam anicut, Madapuli anicut,

Kadapothi anicut and Vettaikaran anicut and together they fill 29 tanks and irrigate more than

2734 acres of land in Mathalampari, Kandamangalam, Madapuli, Sengulam villages in

Tenkasi taluk.59

Kadamanadhi is barred with seven barricades which gives water supply to 61 tanks

and irrigates about 2596 acres of land directly and 7778 acres of land through Kadamanadhi

river bed tanks, in the villages of Alwarkurichi, Manchapuli, Ambur, Arasapathu, Kangayam

and Kakkanalloor in Ambasamudram taluk.611

Ramanadhi, another major tributary of Chittar river has nine crosswalls, constructed

at the appropriate places in the river to divert water to 33 tanks and they benefit more than

3713 acres of land for cultivating double crops, in the villages of Pottalputhoor, Adaichani,

Marthandaperi and Kallakal in Tenkasi taluk.6'

Jambunadhi is barred with three barricades namely Kuttalaperi anicut, Jambunathi

anicut and Ayyampillai anicut. From these three barricades, 8 tanks are filled and they

irrigate more than 663 acres of land in Tippanampatti village of Tenkasi taluk.62

Tenkasi taluk, Channels and Tank Register P.W.D (Irrigation Section) Tenkasi, 2000, p.2.

(,O The barricades are Alwarkurichi anicut, Amburperumkal anicut, Manchapuli anicut, Kakkanalloor anicut,Kangayam anicut, Arasapattu anicut, Vadakkupathu anicut.

61 The nine barricades of Ramanadhi are Thalai anicut, Kallakal anicut, Chavanakaran anicut, Achimudairanicut, Man anicut, Otta anicut, Adkolli anicut, Pottalputhoor anicut and Adaichani anicut. (Tank andChannel Register, P.W.D, Tenkasi taluk, 1999. p.4).

62 H.R.Pate, op.cit, p.173.

MOS

Pachiyar river gives way for 12 barricades situated in the villages of Pathai,

Manchuvi lai, Padmaneri, Edaiyankulam, Kovilkulam, Devanalloor, Kallikulam, Kaduvetti

and Meenavankulam. From these 12 barricades, 41 tanks get water supply and these anicuts

help to cultivate more than 3439 acres of land in these regions in Nanguneri taluk.63

Nambiyar, one of the significant rivers, flows in Nanguneri and Radhapuram taluks is

provided with nine barricades situated at the required places. The first barricade namely, the

Bolder barricade, locally called the Mylmani anicut was built across the river Nambiyar in

Tirukurungkudi village of Nanguneri taluk. The Bolder barricades provide water to fill live

tanks, and more than 2000 acres of lands scattered in the villages of Thirukurungudi,

Chengalkurichi, Vadkachimattilkal and Erddaikal region in Nanguneri taluk have been

brought under cultivation.

ihalavaiputhoor crosswall built across the river Nambiyar at Delapattisamudram

village in Nanguneri taluk, gives water supply to fill 25 tanks spread over Nanguneri and

Radhapuram taluks. The Thalavaiputhoor barricade helps to irrigate about 2217 acres of land

in Dalapathisamudram, Soundrapandiapuram, Veppankulam, Acchampattu, Kallikulam,

North Valliyoor, Kumbikulam and Samugarangapuram villages.

Rajakkamangalam barricade, the third major crosswall across the river Nambiyar,

diverts water to fill 2 major tanks and irrigates more than 438 acres of land in the villages of

Rajakamangalam and Chengkulam in Nanguncri taluk.

Mylaputhoor barricade, the fourth one in the series of barricades across the river

Nambiyar, gives water to five tanks and more than 192 acres of land have been were brought

under cultivation in the villages of Anaikulam and Mylaputhoor in Radhapuram taluk.

63 The twelve barricades namely, Arasapattu anicut, l'halai anicut, EttuDuraisamy anicut, Palampattu anicut,Padmaneri anicut, Chambankulam anicut, Devanalloor anicut, Kattalaikaduvetti anicut, Kappukadai anicut,Ponnakudi anicut, Thidiyoor anicut, Tamilakurichi anidut.

Proceedings of the Madras Government, Madras, 1908, No.474.

Kannanalloor barricade built across the river Nambiyar at Kannanalloor village in

Radhapuram taluk provides water to fill 5 tanks and helps to irrigate about 316 acres of land

in Kannanalloor and Keelkulam villages.65

Another notable barricade in this region is the Vijayan barricade, locally called

Vijayan anicut built across the river Namhiyar in Vijayanarayanam village of Nanguneri

taluk. Vijayan barricade provides water to 4 tanks situated in this region and about 1942

acres of land is under cultivation in Vijayanarayanam village. 66

Kovankulam barricade, the seventh barricade across the river Nambiyar, provides

water to 6 tanks spread over in the villages of Orumankulam and Rajakkamangalam, and

helps to irrigate about 330 acres of land.

l'huthikulam barricade gives water supply to fill 2 tanks, situated in the villages of

Kottaikarungulam and Orumankulam. Thuthikulam barricade being a minor one, irrigates

about 27.75 acres of land in the villages of Kottaikarungulam and Orumankulam in

Radhapuram taluk.

Puliyarkulam, the last barricade built across the river Nambiyar at K.Puthoor village

in Radhapuram taluk, provides water to 2 tanks through Puliyankulam canal. The

Puliyankulam barricade enhances cultivation of about 154 acres of land in K.Puthoor and

Krishnaperi villages. 67

Vaippar based barricades

The Vaippar based barricades fall under Sankarankovil and Sivagiri taluks, the

Northern region of Tirunelveli District. In Sankarankovil taluk, thirteen barricades were built

Report on the Statement of Tambraparni Ayacut, P.W.D (Irrigation section), Madras, 1989, pp.7-8.

66 I17j , p.9.

67 Irrigation and Water Resources in Tirunelveli District, P.W.D (Irrigation Section, Tambraparni Circle)Tirunelveli, 1999, p.66.

on

across the minor rivers namely Kottaimalaiyar, Rasingi and Vahamaliyar, which flow in

Sankarankovil taluk and confluence with the major river Vaippar. The thirteen barricades

together supply water to fill twenty seven tanks and provide for cultivation of about 5,000

acres of land in Periyoor, Manthikulam, Panayoor, Karivalamvanthanalloor, Manaloor,

Vagaikulam, Sevalkulam, Marattoni, Melapul iyankudi, Kovalaikanni and

Thiruvenkattanathapuram villages in Sankarankovil taluk.68

Nineteen barricades in Sivagiri taluk were built across the Vaippar based minor rivers

namely Ullar, Palar, Deviar, Neechahanathi, and Kakkanadhi and they provide water supply

to fill 30 tanks. About 7496 acres of land have been brought under cultivation in the villages

of Vasudevanalloor, Sivagiri, Ariyoor, Keel achinthamani, Sangnaperi, Thenmalai,

Melakarisalkulam, Pattaikuklam and Visvanathaperi •69

MAJOR DAMS

Major dams play a significant role in the irrigational and economic development of

the state. According to world commission on dams, the answer to future needs of a growing

population and extension of irrigational fields lies in the widespread construction of major

dams at the appropriate places. Catch the rain as it falls and do not allow even a drop to he

lost, is another suggestion stated, and this could be possible only by constructing major

dams. 70

'g Report on the Vaippar river basin in Ramnadu, Tirunelveli, Sankarankovil and Kovilpatti Taiuk, Madras,1901, p.9. The thirteen barricades in Sankarankovil taluk namely Periyoor anidut, Thamarai anicut,manthikulam anicut, Mudivanangar anicut, Perumpathoor anicut, Kuvalaikurai anicut, Veeraparakiramananicut, Manaloor anicut, Eachanodai anicut, Marathani anicut, Thiruvenkadam anicut, Kuthadikulam anicutand Puthuappaneri anicut.

Sivagiri taluk rivers, channels and Tank Register P.W.D (Irrigation, Sivagiri, 1999, p.1).The nineteen barricades in Sivagiri taluk are Kanchithalai anidut, Sankiliankal anicut, Eloonkulam anicut,panayam anicut, Eachantha anicut, Puthumadai anicut, Keelachinthamani anicut, Kannachembal anicut,kalingalar anicut, Sanganaperi anicut, Chinthamani anicut, Ariyoor anicut, Soniankulam anicut, Pachaikovilaranicut, Shanmuganthi anicut, Kalanicut, Karuppan kuduppam anicut, Thalai anicut and Maruthappa pillalanicut.

° The l-lindu (English news paper) Madurai dated 9 1 ' March 1998.

Papanasam Dam

In spite of the eight minor dams constructed across the river Tambraparni, they could

not store the water required for cultivation. Most of the water went to the sea as waste. The

minor dams do not have the capacity to store all the river water. Therefore, to preserve the

surplus flow of water of Tambraparni, the government decided to construct a big reservoir at

Papanasam over Tambraparni river. 71 Further to tackle drought, famine and to provide

continuous supply for agricultural work, the need for a dam in the head of Tambraparni was

felt by the British. I fence, to accomplish the task, the British sent officials to investigate the

course of the river and choose a suitable site for the construction of the proposed dam. 72

The British officials encountered a lot of difficulties at the time of construction of the

Srivaikuntam dam before undertaking the Papanasam project. To avoid this difficulty, the

British wanted to construct the proposed dam with proper care and plan. Though the scheme

had taken various forms, its general object was to provide a reservoir in the upper reaches of

the Tambraparni river to hold up the flood waters of the river, and to regulate their

distribution in times of need so as to avoid the wastage of water. Moreover, by this

arrangement, the irrigation system was not only regulated but it was possible to supply

drinking water, and water for cultivation at times of necessity. 73

Colonel A.T. Colton, a British official, first gave the suggestion to build a reservoir

across the river Tambraparni at Papanasam. But it was not taken into consideration. 74 After

some years, Captain Horsely, Civil engineer (1854) formulated a definite scheme to construct

the dam at the same place. Many British officials including Caption llorsely undertook the

Reprint of Old Records about the Papanasam project, Tirunelveli District, Tirunelveli, 1913.

72 p.14.

1l.R.Pate, op.cit, p.173.

74 G. Venkataraman, History of the Cauvery Mettur Project and its Impact on Tamil Nadu, 1925 to 1950, (anunpublished Ph.D thesis), Madras University, Madras 1984. p. 36.

70

enquiry about the Papanasam reservoir. In 1855 Captain Horsely visited Papanasam and

enquired the people about the feasibility of constructing a reservoir at Papanasam.

Accordingly he prepared a plan and brought forward the first estimate and sent it to the

Government for approval. He selected a place about a mile above the Sorimutthayyan

Temple and five miles from the Papanasam falls, a point where the river is not more than a

100 yards broad. He proposed to construct the reservoir at 50 feet height, which would

regulate the flood water of Tambraparni. 75 The dam was to extend up to the valley of the

main falls, that is the famous Banathirtham. Below the falls, the river is reinforced on the left

bank by Kariyar and the Pambar and on the right bank by the Mayilar and the Kamudiyar

which descend from the Singampkatti hills. lie also suggested to erect a lake above the first

anicut on the Tambraparni river. Further, 1-lorsely's aim was the construction of a navigable

canal which should connect the ports of Tutucorin, Punnaikayal and Kulasekharapatinam

with the rich paddy lands of Ambasamudram. 76 The scheme of Captain Horsely was kept in

abeyance till Lieutenant Roberts assumed office as his successor in 1856. Being an engineer,

Lieutenant Robert prepared an estimate amounting to one and a half lakhs for the formation

of the reservoir at Papanasam. It was calculated that the drainage of 25 square miles would

be stored, and for this reservoir eight inches of rain would be sufficient to fill it. The capacity

of the reservoir as estimated was capable of irrigating only 3000 acres. So it was thought that

in the last stages of a failing season, the storage may not he sufficient to save agricultural

fields and crops. But Lieutant Roberts could not continue the scheme for further

investigation, because the Government sanctioned a small amount for his estimate. 77

Therefore, in 1 858 and 1 859 two more engineers investigated the feasibility of the project,

General Observation made by Captain W.H.Horsely, Civil Engineer, during the month of September 1855,No. 105.

76 J.Mullens, Irrigation Manual, madras, 1905, p.18.

Administrative Report of Madras Presidency, 1856, 1857, Madras, p.20.

71

but no tangible action was taken in the matter. In the meantime, the Government appointed

Paxton, an engineer, to survey the project. His attempt too could not be materialized owing

to the non-sanctioning of needed fund to pursue the project work. As such, much progress

was not to be noticed in the project till 1871.78

In 1872, Puckle, the then Collector of Tirunelveli District, sent a comprehensive

report about the irrigation system in Tirunelveli District, and also submitted a detailed report

of the project to the Revenue Board. Further, another similar proposal of his own, in regard

to the Gatananadhi (a tributary of Tambraparni) was sent to the perusal of the Government.

On seeing the suggestion of Puckle, the Government then sent Norfolk, an engineer, to

survey the site of the Sorimuthayyanarkoil reservoir project at Papanasam. But it was found

that a dam of 80 feet height would impound only 22 million cubic yards of water, which in

turn could not meet the irrigation requirement for raising even a single crop. His findings

were not taken in to account because construction of such a dam could not store enough water

as expected .79 Therefore, in 1 875 Major Million, a civil engineer, inspected the site and came

to the conclusion that a dam above a mile at Papanasam, the river passes in to two channels

through rocky hills. The proposed reservoir if constructed here, would store considerable

capacity of water at a moderate cost. Yet no proper steps were taken to complete the project.

In 1881, J.B.Pennington, the then Collector of Tirunelveli, brought the matter to the notice of

the Government. He expressed the view that the project may not he of any direct gain to the

Government, but it would help to improve irrigation and thereby much land revenue could be

expected. Apart from this, the standard of living of the peasants, who settled in the

Tambraparni basin too would be benefited much. 80 The Revenue Board accepted the report

78 G.O.No.53 P.W.D (Irrigation) dated 19th February, 1872.

Puckles Report about the Project, (Irrigation Section) dated 7' h September, 1872, p.4.

80 C.A.Scouter op.cit, p.1 85.

72

of the Collector and ordered further investigations. The Board recommended the suggestion

of the Collector and requested the Government to consider the scheme favourably. Sensing

the importance of the project, the Government sent some more engineers for investigation.

The Chief Engineer who had visited the District expressed his reservation about the scheme.

Hence in 1889 the project was put into cold storage. 81 The project file which was closed in

1889 was not opened up for some time due to financial constraints and delaying tactics.

However, when Mocleads became the next Collector of Tirunelveli district, he

brought the matter once again to the notice of Government in 1894 to reconsider the project

under Government orders. The scheme was again examined and surveys were made. In

1902 the site was surveyed, but no final decision was taken because of the investigation

report of the Chief Engineer was inadequate. 82 Further, the Executive Engineer and the

Superintending Engineer requested to measure rainfall statistics, and issued orders to erect

fresh rain gauges in the catchment areas. Yet, they were not in favour of speeding up the

work. 83 So, in 1903, Davidson, the Chief Engineer, requested the Collector and officials to

locate sites for reservoirs on the branches of the Tambraparni to conserve 7000 to 10,000

cubic feet of water. But the Chief Engineer pointed out that no site could be found for a large

reservoir on any one of the branches of the river 1'ambraparni. 84 Therefore the engineer's

suggestion was once again put off for some more years.

Later, when Ash became the Collector of Tirunelveli District in 1911, he took up

steps to revise the project once more. He compiled an accurate record of the rainfall and

discharge of the river. Meanwhile, the Public Works Department of Tirunelveli division put

Administration Report of the Public Works Department 1891-1892, Madras, 1892, p.30.

82 Administration Report of the Public Works Department 1902-1903, Government of Madras, 1903, p.40.

H.R.Patc, ppçjt, p.180.

G.O.No.9, P.W.D (Irrigation) dated 30 th January 1906, pp. 1-2.

73

up the current meter gauging in the river in 1917.85 Subsequently the work was taken up by

Hydro-Electric Department for utilizing water for generating electric energy which indirectly

helped to improve irrigation. Again, the Chief Engineer Major H.G. howard gave a report in

1928, and emphasized the construction of Papanasam Hydro-Electric Project. He added that

if the Hydro- Electric Project was established, the power station would generate electricity to

supply to the industries (Martin Paper Industry), and various motor pumpsets situated in

different wells, particularly of the district. Howard sent Lieutenant Colonel M.C.Platt to

collect information about the construction of dam. 86 After investigation, Colonel M.C. Platt

pointed out in his report that there were only two feasible sites for the construction of the

dam, one at Karaiyar (the tributary of Tambraparni) and the other was just above Papanasam

falls. The upper site reservoir could be capable of storing 10,000 million cubic feet if the

proposed height of the dam is 240 feet. In that case, the first and second storage could be

used for irrigation purposes and the third storage of the project would the generate electricity.

When Platt submitted his final investigation report to the Government, it was accepted by the

Irrigation, Electricity and Public Works Departments. 87

Under this favorable situation some other factors also motivated the Government to

initiate the work. ]'irunelveli District was prone to frequent famine, followed by droughts.

The famine of 1877 and 1899 carried away the life of thousands of people and every village

of the district was affected frequently. Contagious diseases like, cholera and other epidemics

swept away some of the villages. The agriculturists were the worst sufferers. 88 Moreover,

the seasonal weather, the failure of the South West and North East monsoons in 1851 and

C.A.Souter, 9p.cit, p.181.

' 1-l.G.Howard, Introductory Report on the Papanasam Hydro-Electric Development, Madras 1928, p.1.

The New Irrigation Era Series, Journal of the Irrigation Branch, VoI.VllI, P.W.D, Madras 1952, p.29.

C.A.Padmanabha Iyer pprcjt, p.28.

74

1877 caused much distress and damage to the people. The agriculturists experienced severe

drought. Both wet and dry lands of the Tambraparni and Chittar irrigated land had been left

uncultivated. Occasional heavy rainfall caused heavy floods, and even the anicuts were

flooded and overflowed. Frequent floods in monsoon seasons caused much havoc to the

agriculturist. So, to control the drought, famine and flood, the government decided to

construct a dam in Papanasam area and to provide a deep outlet for the river direct to the

sea. 89

Further the peasants of the area made a plea to the Government to construct a dam at

Papanasam. R.Suhramaniyaiyer, a prominent Land Lord of Sermadevi, on behalf of the

ryots, appealed to the Government to construct a dam at Papanasam across Tambraparni

river. He also sent an urgent telegram urging the government to build a reservoir at

Papanasam to conserve excess water to help irrigation. 90 The ryots and land holders

association of Tirunelveli district submitted a memorandum in September 19th, 1937 to the

Government and pleaded to construct a reservoir at Papanasam to save more than 80,000

acres of double crops wet land, under irrigation of Tambraparni river. They also requested

the government to speed up the reservoir work, to avoid drought in the summer and to control

flood in rainy seasons. 91

Moreover, Papanasam dam issue was also discussed in the Madras State Legislature.

Davidson, a member of Madras State Legislative Council, on August 1934 raised questions

on the proposed Papanasam irrigation project. lie appealed to the Government to take

immediate steps to expedite the project work at Papanasam. 92 In addition, other prominent

89 C.A.Scouter, Qpcjt, p.246.

° G.O.No. 197 Public Works Department dated 3 01 January, 1906.

9' G.O.No.1286, P.W.D, Madras, dated 19th October, 1937, P.2.

92 Descriptive Booklet on the Important Irrigation Projects in Madras State, Part, I, P.W.D. Madras, 1955, p.60.

75

members of the Madras State Legislature raised the dam issue on 19th March 1938 with the

then Public Works Department Minister to know whether the scheme was ready for sanction.

Similar questions were raised in the Assembly by Venkatareddi and others urging the

Government to speed up the work .93 Further, the Tirunelveli District Board members also

passed a resolution requesting the government to take the project in hand. The contents of

the resolution was communicated to the Secretary, Madras Public Works Department and a

copy of it was sent to the District Collector urging to speed up the project. 94 The continued

efforts made by the ryots, land owners, common people, legislative members, District

Collectors to the Government to consider the project.

As a result the Government accepted the proposal of Colonel Platt, to construct the

dam in Papanasam as surveyed and estimated as early as 1928. On the basis of Platt's first

estimate, the Public Works Department took the initiative and planned to construct the first

reservoir at Kariyar, below the confluence of Kariyar river with l'ambraparni. The first

reservoir is called the upper Papanasam reservoir or Tambraparni reservoir. They also

decided to construct another reservoir not only for storing water but also for generating

electricity. Lower Papansam was chosen because another river known as Servalar joined the

Tambraparni. The breadth of the river also was wide, hence the place was chosen for the

construction of the second dam, which was named as Papanasam lower dam. After the

construction of this dam, the electricity department installed a power station below the

diversion weir at lower Papanasam.95

' G.O.No.1456, P.W.D, Madras, dated 9'h 1938, p.10.

G.O.No.800, P.W.D, dated 21" April, 1938, pp.2-3.

Administrative Report of the Electricity Department, 1939-1940, Madras, 1940, p.12.

The Papanasam Upper Dam

The government built the Papanasam dam popularly called Tambraparni dam at first.

Its work commenced on 291t1 march 1938 at the heart of the river Tambraparni. 96 The

Banathirtham is the main heart and an important source of the river Tambraparni. Some

natural springs and minor rivers such as the Pambar, Mayilar, and Ullar confluence with

Tambraparni from the eastern side of the Western Ghats and thereafter, the Kariyar,

Kamudiyar and Kaudalaiyar join Tambraparni from the western side of the Western Ghats at

upper Papanasam. Here the river was broad and after considering all aspects of the place,

Kariyar (upper Papanasam) area was selected for the construction of the Papanasam Upper

dam. 97

The dam was built with strong foundation by using huge stones with cement mortar.

The dam was of solid gravity, non-over flow type, with the length of 800 feet, and 176 feet

height above normal river bed level and about 200 feet above the lowest foundations. The

masonry contents of the structure were estimated to be 5600000 cubic feet. One feet was

allowed for parapet. The spill way was made of good rock on the right flank with 360 feet.

The spill way was designed to take care of 70,000 cubic feet of water and controlled by stone

gates of 6 + 15 + 16 feet. The maximum flood capacity was 5500 million cubic feet. 98 While

the construction work was in progress, the dam site was examined by the Geological Survey

Department of India, and it declared that the dam was built in suitable site, and its height can

be extended up to 200 feet. The calyx drill boring machine was used for laying foundations.

The foundations were in good rock and were thoroughly explored by means of calyx drill

borings. For glouting, three rows of holes in the deeper section were made in bed rock. The

96 G.O.No.653 P.W.D. Madras, dated 29 March, 1938.

Descriptive Booklet on the important irrigation projects in Madras State, Part-I, P.W.D, Madras, 1955, p.62.

98 G.O.No.913, P.W.D, Madras, dated 6 Ih October 1940.

76

77

holes were inserted with grout mixture that varied from 1-1 to 1-3 according to the nature of

penetration. A main gallery structure was made with stones with 5 x 7 feet size. 28.6 inches

diameter pipes with upstream and downstream were fitted in the dam to serve both for

irrigation and power generation. 99 The maximum flood discharging capacity of the dam was

90,000 cusecs. Six stony shutters were installed with 52' - 0' x 18 - 0' size. With the

installation of the shutters, the capacity of the dam increased from 4400 million cubic feet to

5500 million cubic feet. The catchment area of the dam was 147.3 square kilometers and the

water spread in 5.73 square kilometer area. The maximum water level of the dam was 264.54

million cubic feet. The surplus water went to the Lower dam. The Upper dam was linked

with Servalar dam in 1981 through a tunnel.'()() The Servalar dam was built very near to the

Upper dam. The Servalar is a tributary of Tambraparni river. It joins the Tambraparni about

a kilometer above Mundandurai. The water level of both the dams was equally maintained

by the tunnels. The Papanasam upper dam design was based on the Mettur dam design. The

Papanasam dam work was completed in July 1944. It took more than 6 years to complete

it. 10 ' The delay was caused due to second world war. The dam was dedicated to the district

by Sir.Arthur Hope on 21 August, 1944. The reservoir was called as Hope reservoir, in

memory of the then Governor of the Madras Presidency. 102

Papanasam Lower Dam

The motive for the construction of the Lower dam or diversion weir at Mundandurai

was to preserve the water for the generation of electricity and irrigation. Platt, in his

Report of old records about the l'apanasam project Tirunelveli district, Tirunelveli, 1913, p.13.

'°° J.Mullens, 9pçjt, p.19.

'°' G.O.No.2649 P.W.D (Electricity) Madras dated 12th October 1945.

102 Personal Observation of Dam Site. 18th December 1999.

78

investigation report had made provision for this lower dam.'° 3 It is a simple overflow type

with inlet works. The inlet was designed to permit an extension of the height whenever

necessary. The dam is made up of an island of natural rock, and consolidated by cement

growing. The length of the dam is 744 feet, with the height 650 feet and the capacity of the

dam is 5500 million cubic feet. The spillway length is 1150 feet and the maximum depth of

overflow is 9.3 feet, giving a flood discharge of 120,000 cusecs. The maximum flood

discharge is 82,000 cusecs. The pondage level of the diversion weir is 110 million cubic feet

and intake of the diversion weir is 28 million cubic feet. 104

The diversion weir has four vents. The two big vents were constructed at the western

side of the dam. These two vents were joined with two huge pipe lines and water went

through these two pipes to the power house for generating of electricity. The other two vents

were constructed at the eastern side of the dam and through one vent, water goes to the Upper

Falls (Agastya Falls) and confluences with the water let down from the power house at a

place below the Agastya Falls and above Thalaiyani. Through the fourth vent water goes to

the Madura Mills, for spinning. 105 Thereafter it confluences with Tambraparni for irrigation.

The reservoir work was begun in July, 1938 and finished in July, 1944. The reservoir was

dedicated to the district on 21 s' August 1944 by the then Governor of Madras Sir Aruthar

Hope. 106 Both the Upper and Lower dams were inaugurated in the same year.

The Papanasam Dam, built across the Tambraparni river was brought into operation

in the year 1944. Apart from generating electricity, the dam is promoting the irrigational

needs of the district. The dam water is allowed to pass through 11 major channels and a

103 H.G.tloward, Introductory Report on the Papanasam Il ydro-Electric Development, Madras, 1928, p.29.

'04 G.O.No.913, P.W.D (Electricity) Madras, dated 9' March 1940, p.9.

05 Administrative Report of the Electricity Department, 1939-40, Madras, 1940, p.13.

106 Stone Slab Found on Dam site.

79

number of branch and minor channels to tanks and agricultural fields under Tambraparni

Irrigation System. Since 1945, the Papanasam dam water is utilized to cultivate 'Advanced

Kar' in the 'Kar' season. Every year, hundreds of acres of agricultural areas are thrown open

for 'Advanced Kar' cultivation depending upon the water level of the dam and the flow of the

river. 107 Moreover, the Papanasam dam water is let out to meet the drought, which affected

the District frequently. The 1945, 1949 and 1956 droughts were severe ones. To tide over

the drought and scarcity situation, the Dam water helps the people by providing water for

drinking and irrigation purposes. The Papanasam dam water is beneficial to cultivate about

86,000 acres of land under Tambraparni irrigation system. Tenants regularly raise double

crops such as paddy, sugarcane, cotton, bananas, ground nut, gingelly and other dry crops

such as cholam, ragi and maize, which enhanced the agricultural development of the district.

Moreover the Papanasam dam water benefits six taluks and about 700 villages directly and

many taluks and villages indirectly.'° The Papanasam dam water is let out for irrigation

through the major channels namely North Kodamelagian channel, South Kodamelalagian

channel, Nadhiyunni channel, Kannadian channel, Kodagan channel, Palayam channel,

Tirunelveli channel, Marudur Melakkal channel, Marudur Kelakkal channel, Srivaikuntam

North main channel and the South main channel. As a consequence of the construction of the

dam, the fertility of soil in Tirunelveli district and the land value and socio-economic

prosperity of the people have been enhanced. 109

Manimuthar Dam

The Manimuthar reservoir project is a magnificent creation of the Government of

Madras in the district after independence. A perusal of the records reveals the fact that the

107 The Central Board of Irrigation Journal VoI.V. No.1 New Delhi 1948, p.28.

108 Report of the Committee on Agricultural Production in Madras State 1954, p.4.

10') Irrigation and Water Resources in Tirunelveli District P.W.D Tirunelveli 1999, p.79.

80

District is gifted with one major reservoir known as Papanasam reservoir and eight minor

dams built by the erstwhile rulers of Tirunelveli District. 110 The water requirement of the

peasants, for irrigation and cultivation could not be met by these as the population increase

needed enhanced water consumption."

Moreover, the irrigation commission also pointed out that Tamil Nadu is in an

unenviable position among the states as it is having up to 90 percent of the major irrigation

potential. There is no scope for any new major river valley project in the state. The only

alternative available to the state is the medium and minor irrigation works and their

productivity. The meagre flow available in the tributaries of the rivers and the occasional

floods in the jungle streams are the only sources which can be tapped for formulating

medium irrigation schemes. In the planning period as many as 23 irrigation projects have

been sanctioned in the state. The Manimuthar dam is one among them in Tirunelveli

district.' 12 Of the gross cropped area of 463 105 hectares in Tirunelveli district, the gross

irrigated area amount to 42.3 percent. Due to erratic monsoon the command area has been

vulnerable to storage in both 'Kar' and 'Pisanam' seasons, particularly in the tailend regions.

Further, the Papanasam dam water is used for generating electricity and it supplies water for

irrigational purposes only to a limited extent, and to quench the thirst of the people in the

district, a reservoir at Manimuthar was built in the year

The purpose of Manimuthar reservoir project was primarily for stabilizing the

irrigation supply in the Tambraparni basin for agricultural purposes and to prevent flood in

times of rainy season. In addition, natural calamities like famine, flood and drought often

110 Madras Information Report. Vol.! Madras 1950, p.230.

Report on the Manimuthar Reservoir Project (Irrigation) P.W.D. Madras, 1953, p.2.

12 Minor Irrigation in Tamil Nadu. Madras Institute of Development Studies, Madras, 1974, p.6.

11.3 Report on the Administration of the Madras Presidency 195 1-52, Madras, 1952, p.21.

81

disturbed the normal agricultural life of the people of the district.' 14 Moreover, to grow more

food crops and to feed non-river fed tanks or manavari tanks of Ambasamudram, Tirunelveli,

Nanguneri, Srivaikuntam and Tiruchendur taluks, the project was unavoidable. It is

estimated that the construction of such a reservoir would provide water to an area of 20,000

acres of land. Apart from this, it was also felt that the vast stretch of dry tracts of land located

in the Southern and Eastern taluks of the district with fairly good soil and craving for

irrigation would also be benefited.' 15 In the meantime, from 1933 onwards, the water thirsty

people of Southern and Eastern taluks of the district sent representations to the Government,

periodically stressing on the need of constructing the Manimuthar reservoir. Besides farmers

and public representatives of Nanguneri, Srivaikuntam and Tiruchendur taluks made

representation to the district administration as well as to the government of Tamil Nadu,

stating that the water table in the taluks have rapidly declined due to inadequate rainfall

which in turn adversely increased the salinity of water in the wells. Consequently, the

farmers too urged the government to remove the salinity by raising the water table. It was

felt that the expedient construction of a reservoir would largely help the starving, cultivable,

fallow and waste land, and also provide drinking water supply.' 16

Realising the need for a reservoir, the Government made a thorough survey. It

understood that the Tambraparni ayacut possessed 86000 acres of land, a large portion of

which is fit for cultivation of two crops. Moreover, the Papanasam reservoir which was

executed in 1944 as a power generating project, regulates the flow of the main river for

generating electricity. But the Papanasam reservoir could not fulfil the irrigational needs of

" The Hindu, (English News Paper), Madurai, dated 19th March 1988.

Tirunelveli District, Ten Years Achievement 1951-61 Government News Agency Release, Madras, 1961,P.1 1.

116 Extract from the proceedings of the farmers district board meeting in the presence of Tirunelveli Collector,Tirunelveli dated 18" August 1952, No.233

82

the farmers residing in the tail end regions. 117 The tank areas in Ambasamudram, Tirunelveli,

Nanguneri, Radhapuram, Srivaikuntam and Tiruehendur taluks which at present receive a

precarious supply is not even enough for a single crop. Additional supply to these tanks

would enable the areas to raise an additional crop. So, the construction of a reservoir across

the Manimuthar was taken up. 118 In order to hold up the flows and distribute them equitably

during the irrigation seasons to the ayacuts of both the Tambraparni canal system and that of

the numerous tanks scattered all over the district, particularly the rain shadow taluks of

Nanguneri, Sathankulam, Tiruchendur and Radhapuram, the construction of the Manimuttar

reservoir was felt necessary.'

Manimuthar river is one of the chief tributaries of the Tambraparni river and also the

first tributary to join the river Tambraparni in the plains. The river Manimuthar originates

from the thick tropical rain forest above Singatheri of the Western hills and flows through the

Singampatti Zamindari for about 6 miles. 120 The river with full of water flowing through

hroadbed crosses the plateau and enters into the plain land of Manimuthar and flows four and

a half miles in the plain area. A little above the foot of the hills there is an anicut known as

Talayani anicut across the river. This had been in existence since the remote past. From the

plain land, the river flows towards Kallidaikurichi.' 2 ' In rainy season, the river brings heavy

flow of water which is the chief source of irrigation in the district. 122

Statement of Tambraparni Irrigation Ayacut (Irrigation Section) P.W.D Tirunelveli, 1980, p.2.

118 Annual Report of the Irrigation Advisory Board for 1952-1953, Madras, 1953, p.18.

119 Report on the Manimuttar Reservoir Project (irrigation) P.W.D, Madras, 1953, p.6.

120 H.R.Pate çpçjt, p.1 1.

121 Tirunelveli District, Ten Years Achievement 1951-1961, Government News Agency Release, Madras 1961,p.12.

122 D.I.Paul, çpçj. p.38.

83

Knowing the importance of the reservoir, the Madras Government constituted an

investigation committee of the project under the Chief Engineer of Irrigation and Public

Works Department. During investigation, the officials examined and presented three

alternative alignments for the reservoir project. Among the three, the first survey was made

in the low level area along a line of hillocks. The second one was planned in the area upper

to the above site, about to 2 to 3 furlong upstream, where surface indications showed a

natural rocky ridge, and thirdly a site still higher up, where the stream emerges from the

first. 123 After careful examination of the sites, the committee recommended the first among

the above three sites and that was finally selected. Accordingly, the reservoir planned to be

constructed was situated about five miles from Kallidaikurichy railway station and three

miles above its confluence with the Tambraparni river and about ten miles SouthWest of

Singmpaui Zamindari village. The proposed reservoir had a catchment area of 62.45 square

miles. The maximum flood discharge is taken as 60,000 cusecs. The water spread area is

1001.6 square feet or 2324 acres. The reservoir submerged 282 acres of dry and forest land

and 150 acres of garden land and in all, 2324 acres. The total extent of acquisition including

the areas required for camps and buildings were however about 2830 acres. Moreover, the

average annual rainfall flow and discharge for 15 years (1932-1947) in the reservoir site have

been examined. 124

After knowing the feasibility of the reservoir, the Government of Madras announced

the construction of Manimuthar reservoir. Meanwhile, the government also appealed to the

ryots residing in the command area of the rainfed tanks in 68 villages to contribute a

betterment fee of Rs.500 per acre each. 125 It was then an absolutely novel proposal in the

123 G.O.No.3322 P.W.D Madras, dated I 1' August 1947.

24 G.O.No.3842 P.W.D Madras dated 18111 October 1950

125 G.O.No.777 P.W.D dated 2I February 1950.

84

whole country for mobilizing funds for irrigation works. The farmers of the command area

spontaneously responded and with in a year Rs. 1.25 crores was collected. 126 This event also

encouraged the Government to speed up the construction work. In the meantime, the

foundation stone for the Manimuthar reservoir was laid on November 20, 1950 by the P.W.D.

Minister Bakthavatsalam and the construction work began. 127 When the work was in

progress, owing to the steep rise in the cost of materials and the increase in labour payment,

the Government was forced to revised the estimate. Accordingly, the Government sanctioned

the estimated funds and so the work steadily progressed. Since the needed fund was allowed

in time and the availability of enormous labour force, the reservoir work was completed in

1958 at a total cost of Rs.52,500000 (fifty two crores and fifty lakhs).' 28 The reservoir

consisted of two parts, namely the masonry, and the earth dam section at a length of 11145

feet. The full reservoir capacity was 358 feet and a storage capacity of 551 million cubic feet.

The upper level of the reservoir was 150 feet. 129

The Manimuthar reservoir project had changed the irrigational face of the district, and

also left an indelible mark on the history of irrigation in the district since its inception. A part

of Tambraparni irrigation system, the Manimuthar irrigation projects serve as a potential

factor, helping more than 60% of the people to undertake vigorous agricultural activity. 130

The Manimuthar reservoir water is mainly used for irrigational purposes. The prosperity of

the ryots of Tirunelveli district is largely due to Manimuthar reservoir project. The area

brought under irrigation increased, and a large tract of lands was brought under cultivation as

26 Proceedings of the Manimuttar Reservoir Project, dated 8 1 August 1952 Madras, No.8826.

27 CONo 2718 P.W.D Madras dated 20'h 1950.

12' G.O.No.25 18 P.W.D Madras dated 12th September 1958.

129 Personal Observation on Dam site.

130 Irrigation and Water Resources in Tirunelveli District, P.W.D, Tirunelveli December 1999, p.60.

85

days passed by.' 31 The water from the Manimuthar reservoir is released for irrigational use

through the Manimuthar main canal, Perungal canal and Kottaikal canals. Among these

canals, the Manimuthar main canal is the major and the biggest canal in the district. It

supplies water to 12 branch channels through 10 direct sluices which feed 322 tanks.

Besides, four major and 8 minor distributaries were also dug out from the main canal to feed

the tanks and agricultural tract under the Manimuthar command area.' 32 Of the many

distributaries, the 1 I 1 distributary is the largest one with a ayacut capacity of about 500 acres

of agricultural land. Except number 5 and 10 , the rest are all very small in length, as they

fall into the natural drainage courses like Pachaiyar and Karumanaiyar (minor rivers). The

estimated total ayacut under Manimuthar main canal and its branches is about 23743 acres of

land. 133

The command area of Manimuthar spreads over in the five old taluks of

Ambasamudram, Tirunelveli, Nanguneri, Srivaikuntam and Tiruchendur and the newly

formed taluks of Radhapuram and Sathankulam. The benefit of its irrigation reaches nine

panchayat union areas, 93 villages, besides feeding 322 tanks which have been till then

rainfed, thus covering an area of 31944 hectares of land. 134 In Ambasamudram taluk, 15

villages are benefited by Manimuthar reservoir water which feeds sixtysix tanks. The total

area irrigated by the Manimuthar reservoir water is about 3000 acres of land in

Ambasamudram taluk. 135 The Nanguneri taluk is getting a major share of water from the

Manimuthar reservoir. Twenty villages and 122 tanks of this taluk are irrigated by the

131 Report of the Committee on Agricultural Development Madras, 1959, p.44.

132 G.O.No.,1748 P.W.D (Irrigation) Madras dated July 10th 1961.

133 Report about the Regulation of Manimuttar Reservoir Water, Madras dated 7th July 1961, p.2.

Personal Interview with A.Sanmuga Sundaram, Executive Engineer, Water supply, Tambraparni Circle,P.W.D Tirunelveli, dated 6th June 2004.

35 Irrigation and Water Resources in Tirunelveli District, P.W.D, Tirunelveli District 1999, p.67.

\

86

Manimuthar reservoir and thereby it helps to cultivate 10500 acres of land in Nanguneri

taluk. Besides Nanguneri taluk, Tirunelveli taluk is the most benefited taluk as water is

provided to nine villages and 32 tanks, covering a total area of 2400 acres of agricultural

land. In the taluk of Srivaikuntam, five villages and 18 tanks are provided with water supply.

The land irrigated is estimated at 1100 acres of agricultural land. Tiruchendur taluk too

obtains water for 13 villages and 74 tanks, thus helping to undertake cultivation of about

3100 acres of land. 136 In addition to these, the Manimuthar reservoir water is used to

supplement and to stabilize water resources to the existing ayacuts of 76308 acres of the

Tambraparni irrigation system, thus providing an assured supply during the Kar and Pisanam

seasons. Again, 3000 acres of dry land is converted into double crop wet land in the

command area. It also facilitates the cultivation of an estimated 4562 acres of the tailed land

falling under Srivaikuntam North main channel of Srivaikuntam anicut. Since the inception

of Manimuthar reservoir project, many acres of barren and dry land came under irrigational

use and thereby the fertility of the agricultural land further increased. 137 The people with full

confidence undertake cultivation of a variety of crops, such as paddy, banana, coconut,

groundnut, gingelly, cotton, chillies, vegetables and dry crops by relying on the supply of the

Manimuthar reservoir. Though the estimated target of Manimuthar dam was 20,000 acres of

land, it helped to irrigate more area in course of time. Consequently, uncultivable barren and

dry lands were also brought under cultivation, which not only enhanced the employment

avenues but doubled the production too. 138

In spite of the construction of major dams at Papanasam and Manimuttar, the

irrigational and public water requirement increased from time to time. To meet the water

136 A Statistical Atlas of the Madras State, Fasli, 1306 Madras 1963 p.582.

137 Season and crop report for Tirunelveli district, issued by the Commissioner of Statistics. Government ofTamil Nadu, Madras 1982, p.4.

138 Report of the Committee on Agricultural Development, Madras, 1959, p.11.

87

requirements, the government resorted to construct additional reservoirs, such as the Mottair

dam and the Kundar dam in Senkottah taluk; the Karuppanadhi dam in Tenkasi taluk in 1969,

Kadananadhi dam in Ambasamudram taluk, the Nambiyar dam in Radhapuram taluk and the

Adavinainar dam in Tenkasi taluk. There is a long pending proposal with the government to

build the Pachayar dam in Nanguneri taluk, Kodumudiyar dam in Radhapuram taluk and the

Kiryar dam in Sankarankovil and Sivagiri taluks. The execution of these long pending

irrigation projects would meet the irrigation and dinking water requirements of the people of

Nangunery, Radhapuram, Sankarankovil and Tenkasi taluks.