The nearly seven-decade-old canal network of the Chalakudy River Diversion Scheme is disrupting water distribution across its command area, with farmers and local-government representatives seeking urgent comprehensive repairs to the 175-kilometre system in Ernakulam and nearby regions.
The scheme was commissioned in 1957, but its left-bank main canal and branch canals have deteriorated because of age and delayed renovation, according to a report by Mathrubhumi. Damage at several locations has altered the canals’ designed hydraulic structure, preventing water from consistently reaching tail-end areas.
The deteriorating network is becoming a more serious concern as water availability continues to decline, the report said. Canal walls have weakened at multiple points, soil erosion has affected the embankments and water has overflowed from the canals in some locations. Farmers have demanded that the walls be strengthened and that the canal interiors be cemented to improve their stability.
A water-carrying bridge in Thuravoor grama panchayat was also described as being in a dangerous condition. The report did not specify the extent of the structural damage or whether any immediate safety restrictions have been imposed at the location.
The demand for repairs was raised at a meeting of representatives from the three tiers of local government and farmer organisations in the ayacut areas served by the left-bank main canal and its branches. The meeting was convened by officials of the Water Resources Department at the Chalakudy Inspection Bungalow to discuss water-distribution arrangements for 2026-27.
T.M. Varghese, vice-president of the Angamaly Block Panchayat and a member of the irrigation project’s advisory committee, chaired the meeting. Executive Engineer A. Jisha and Assistant Executive Engineer V.G. Nirmal attended, along with representatives from local bodies including Koratty, Thuravoor, Manjapra, Meloor, Mookkannur, Kalady, Kadukutty and Annamanada. Farmer organisation representatives also participated in the discussion.
The meeting called on the government to take steps for the complete renovation of the distribution canals. The demand covers the main canal as well as the connected branch network, making the issue one of system-wide maintenance rather than an isolated repair at a single location.
Participants also called for authorities to ensure that the water due to the Chalakudy River each year under the Parambikulam-Aliyar inter-State river agreement is received as required. The report did not state whether a renovation estimate, funding approval or implementation schedule has been finalised.
The immediate administrative task is therefore to assess the damaged canal sections, address the reported safety concerns and establish the works required across the network before the 2026-27 water-distribution arrangements are implemented. No timeline for comprehensive renovation was provided in the report.
