The Muvattupuzha Valley Irrigation Project has received approval for ₹6 crore to repair its dam and canal network, with 77 works planned to improve water distribution to farms and surrounding communities in central Kerala, MLA Dr Mathew Kuzhalnadan said on October 24.
The allocation will cover the renovation of main canals, branch canals, smaller distribution channels leading directly to agricultural land and cross-drainage structures. The work is intended to restore water flow and address damage that has reduced the capacity of several sections of the network.
According to Kuzhalnadan, the decision followed discussions with Minister Mons Joseph. Technical approval will be obtained and the works will be put out to tender soon, he said.
The Muvattupuzha Valley Irrigation Project draws water that reaches the Malankara Dam after electricity generation at the Moolamattom powerhouse. The water is distributed through a canal network extending 323 kilometres and serves 18,173 hectares of land.
The project is a key irrigation source for farmers in Thodupuzha, Muvattupuzha, Kothamangalam, Piravom, Kaduthuruthy, Ettumanoor and parts of Kottayam, according to the report. The canal network also becomes important for drinking-water access when rainfall declines, making its condition relevant beyond agricultural production.
The approved works follow operational difficulties reported last year, when delays in canal repairs contributed to inadequate water availability. Local representatives, led by Kuzhalnadan, had directly participated in repairing canals at several locations after the scheduled maintenance was not completed on time.
The infrastructure has accumulated damage from age, floods, landslides, bank erosion and inadequate maintenance. Reported problems include broken canal lining, leakage, cracks, collapsed sides, damaged retaining walls and deteriorated cross-drainage structures. In some areas, large trees have grown inside the canals, while silt and soil deposits on the canal beds have restricted water movement.
The range of planned works indicates that the funding will address both the primary conveyance system and the smaller channels that determine whether water reaches individual agricultural areas. Repairs to cross-drainage structures are also significant because these facilities help canals pass across natural drainage paths and other water flows.
The project’s performance depends not only on the availability of water at the Malankara Dam but also on the condition of the long distribution network. Breakdowns in the main canals can affect multiple downstream branches, while damage in smaller channels can prevent water from reaching farms even when the wider system is carrying water.
Kuzhalnadan said technical approvals would be secured before tendering begins. The next formal steps are therefore the completion of technical sanction and the issuing of tenders for the 77 identified works.
