Salem district’s Mettur Dam, now brimming at its full capacity of 120 feet, has enabled the Tamil Nadu government to launch an ambitious water-lifting project to rejuvenate drought-stricken tanks and lakes. Tourism Minister R. Rajendran inaugurated the project at Thippampatti water-lifting station in Mettur Taluk on January 1, 2025.
The project, valued at Rs. 673.88 crore, uses electric motors at Thippampatti, Vellalapuram, and Kannanderi pumping stations to distribute excess Cauvery water to 82 tanks across the Sarabanga sub-basin. Nearly 70-80% of the tanks have been filled, benefiting 4,061.16 acres of farmland and ensuring a reliable drinking water supply.
Minister Rajendran highlighted that the Mettur Dam had reached its full capacity three times this year, marking a milestone in water management under Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s leadership. He added that 267 million cubic feet of water had already been lifted to 40 tanks since July 31, 2024, irrigating 2,300 acres.
The on-going efforts include filling key reservoirs like the Vathipatti and Selavadi lakes. Plans for connecting canals to another 25 tanks, estimated at Rs. 105.35 crore, have been submitted for government approval. Additionally, local demands for better road connectivity in the Lenin Nagar area of Nangavalli Panchayat Union have been assured.
The project aligns with broader government initiatives such as crop loan waivers worth Rs. 481 crore for 1.43 lakh farmers and Rs. 132 crore in loan forgiveness for women’s self-help groups.
It also complements welfare schemes like free breakfast for schoolchildren, skill training under the "Naan Mudhalvan" initiative, and educational assistance programs.
Officials including District Collector Dr. R. Brindha Devi, MP T.M. Selvaganapathy, and MLA S. Sadasivam, along with farmers and local representatives, witnessed the launch. These efforts underscore Tamil Nadu’s equitable development and resource sustainability schemes particularly for the rural populace.
