Farmers have urged the State government to increase the allocation for the Cauvery-Gundar river linking project in the State Budget for 2026-27 and expedite its completion.In a statement, C. Rengarajan, president of the farmers’ wing of the Tamil Maanila Congress, said the project had witnessed delays because of inadequate fund allocation over the years. He appealed to the State government to provide the required financial support and ensure its early completion in the interest of farmers and the public.The project envisages diverting about 6,300 million cubic feet of surplus floodwater from the Cauvery for the benefit of seven districts. It involves the construction of a barrage at Mayanur in Karur district and a 256-km canal network linking the Cauvery, the Vaigai, and the Gundar rivers, besides connecting several smaller watercourses.Mr. Rengarajan said the project would improve irrigation facilities and drinking water supply in drought-prone districts, including Tiruchi, Pudukottai, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, and Virudhunagar, thereby contributing to their development.He urged the government to make adequate budgetary allocation and take steps to complete the project at the earliest. Published - June 07, 2026 06:13 pm IST