The Parambikulam Aliyar Project (Tamil Nadu) - CADWM (Command Area Development and Water Management) project undertaken by the Central Water Commission, Union Jal Sakthi Ministry, has come in for criticism from farmers in Kangayam-Vellakovil belt at the tail-end of the PAP pipeline.Farmers have raised technical, financial and sustainability concerns over the execution model reportedly proposed by the Water Resource Department for the Centrally funded project.Calling for a scientific and transparent technical review of the project based on gravity-based pipeline system from head sluice, P. Velusamy, president of PAP Vellakovil Branch Canal - Veeranampalayam Village Water Users’ Association, said in representations to the Water Resources Department (WRD) and the Superintending Engineer (Coordination), Cauvery and Southern Rivers Organisation, CWC, Coimbatore, that despite the irrigation source naturally originating from the Western Ghats, where gravity-based pipeline conveyance appears technically feasible from the head sluice itself, authorities are reportedly pursuing a design involving intermediate storage arrangements and electrically operated pumping systems.Farmers are unable to understand the technical justification for replacing a potentially sustainable gravity-based model with a high recurring-cost pumping system, Mr. Velusamy said.The present approach appears contrary to core objectives of CADWM schemes: efficient water-use management, sustainable irrigation modernisation; reduction of operational burden; long-term farmer welfare; and scientific utilisation of natural topography.Also, no public technical evaluation or performance report has been disclosed for a similar project executed at Veeruvedampalayam in 2015.The farmers have requested the CWC to immediately review the technical feasibility and sustainability of the present proposal; direct Tamil Nadu WRD to disclose DPR and all technical approvals; and verify whether gravity-based alternatives were adequately studied.Independent technical inspection through qualified experts was necessary, and long-term electricity burden and operational sustainability must be examined.The CWC should verify whether mandatory stakeholder consultations with farmers and Water Users Associations were conducted, and ensure transparency in consultant selection, tendering and contractor appointments.The technical performance of the Veeruvedampalayam project must be evaluated before permitting further expansion, and the CWC should ensure that public funds under Central schemes are utilised only for scientifically justified and sustainable irrigation systems. Farmers would, otherwise, be compelled to approach the Supreme Court, Mr. Velusamy said. Published - May 30, 2026 07:36 pm IST