Kandasamy

Kandasamy is a author and farmer who lives in the Pullagoundaputhur village for more than 80 years.Kandasamy is an author of the book Velliyangri in which he writes about important people, mountains, rivers, canals, tribal people and their medicine in his and around villages of Coimbatore.

Shanmu

I read about the rivers, rivultes and water managements in Coimbatore in your book Velliynagri. It is really an important book that whoever interested in reading about Coimbatore and its culture. Could you share your experience in pertaining to water in the past and present since you lived in this village for 80 years?

Kandhasamy

In 1918 we had a great plague. We were the ones who bore the brunt of plague and cholera. I was born in 1942. But I heard about this great plague from my father. In 1948, there was an outbreak of cholera. I was in my granny’s place at that time. If a rat falls dead from the roof, its an immediate symptom/signal of cholera and it’s time to desert the place. Cholera is more dreadful because the patient won’t have an instant death unlike plague.

Kandhasamy

300 years ago, the village traced its existence. The village had its own well. Those wells were too steep for women to enter and climb the stairs. Its called “Nada Kinaru”. Near the well, there was a “Thaazhi” or water tub for cattle. At times, there was a condition that people made their cattle to drink the water that was drained in to the thaazhi after they bathed in it.

Kandhasamy

Today though we have different sources for water, we can’t negate the fact that we have inflicted huge pain upon nature. Recently, we performed maramathu work for few ponds. Some ponds were renovated with the help of our MLA 5 years ago. But the pond is still empty/dry. The reason behind is the disruption of water flow from the mountains. It is the piteous condition of today’s environment.

Kandhasamy

The idea of common tank slowly gave way to individual/household wells. These wells had steps water was found within 45m. And the improvement was the usage of pulleys. This avoided the need to climb down every time to fetch water.

Shanmu

When does this situation began changing?

Kandhasamy

In 1955, wealthy people dug deeper wells and used brass pitchers. Ordinary people used mud pitchers which would hold around 15 liters this was the condition of drinking water. Gradually, wells gave way to pipes. During Kamaraj’s tenure all households got water pipes installed. This was revolutionary step in drinking water distribution.

Shanmu

Then, how about irrigation?

Kandhasamy

Regarding irrigation, initially there was a practice of using the oxen, one end of the rope is pulled by the cattle whereas the other end is attached to a pitcher (a leather bag) with 2 ropes tied at the top and bottom. The rope at the top helps it to lift the pitcher whereas the one at the bottom enables the farmer to topple the bag so that water gets emptied. This involved no electricity nor motors. While the oxen move forward, the water in the pitcher is drawn up. Then the rope tied at the bottom empties the bag. Finally, the oxen had to move backwards to immerse the bag in to the well. This was one complete cycle. The duration of one complete cycle provides enough time for the well to rejuvenate. Once the pitcher is filled, the well is almost empty. Before the beginning of the next cycle, that well would manage to provide water. As the water table was well enough, our small wells of about 45 – 50 m irrigated our fields throughout the day. This was more sustainable for the farmers and also matter nature.

Shanmu

So that was the case in that past, when did began change in your place and also, can you share about the drought and water scarcity that occurred in the past?

Kandhasamy

One day the impending disaster haunted us. It was the entry of electric pumps. Government coerced all the farmers in the locality to switch to high power electric pumps. This was an extravaganza at that time. A shocking fact was that when the farmer switched it on, the water drained out completely in the twinkling of an eye. Pumps were highly efficient that they didn’t allow wells to recuperate. Thus, the mechanical work drained out water too soon. We had to dig deeper in order to reach water level. This was highly unsustainable. Very soon many wells ran dry!. This is one of the testimonies of the perils of mechanization in agriculture.

Kandhasamy (After 6.30 mins)

Artesian wells are prominent in some areas. After the venture manual borewells, these artesian wells were discovered. This slowly gave way to the mechanized borewell. These borewells were perilous to the ground water table. Seasons have changed a lot. This drastic change has affected the agricultural patterns. Precipitation and rainfall disrupted and consequently, the seasons failed to have adequate rainfall. This happened way back in 1970’s and 1980’s. This abrupt change in rain patterns occurs during frequent intervals from the month of Margazhi (Tamil month) [at this time of drought] till Chitra (The New Year). We didn’t have rain for a period of 6 months straight. Immediately after a period of 6 months, it rained profusely for the next 4 months.

Kandhasamy

The yield was near to zero during that season. Though we didn’t receive adequate rainfall these ponds still managed to be resourceful. Occasionally, when ponds lacked source of water, we found springs within the ponds. In one such occasion in Viraliyoor, we found a spring which provided water for the pond. As there wasn’t adequate rainfall, the pond dried up. We farmers in the locality went there to witness it. “Magudi mann” or the nutrient rich soil is generally collected when a pond dries up. When we started to dig the manure, the spring was found. The pond accommodated around 100 bullock carts. After that we cleared the first layer of magudimann, water spring up.

Kandhasamy

Today government is taking necessary steps to conserve the ponds. But during maramathu works, the contractors are minting money. They bid contracts to clear this sediment layer which was available for the neighboring planters and farmers. But these guys got paid for clearing the sediment as well as made money out of what they cleared. Thus a double bounty. Since this area got borewells, the earlier wells with a diameter slightly bigger than manholes were dumped. They ran dry and its impossible dig down further. Almost 75% of such wells were closed. Only few are still open but futile.

Shanmu | Researcher

Did government help you in repairing and maintaining these water bodies?

Kandhasamy

No. We ourselves do it many times. Occasionally, government intervenes. In 1992, I got the details of maramathu works in the given document. Though we have tedious works in the given document. Though we have tedious work during season times, during off season, We have many things to be done. We start to prepare manure for the land after sowing period. We use this(fourth) 4 months gap to visit our beloved and also to set the land for next harvest. We place a particular plant that belong to the species of aloe vera. We call it “Naar Kathaazhai”. We plant them around the pond and let it soak for 2 full months. Then using “Kottapidi” (a club resembling cricket bat) we strike the kathaazhai.It forms the catalyst for a bountiful yield. We had to separate the jute layers from the aloe vera. This would be utilized to prepare ropes. We farmers gather ourselves and prepare the jute ropes. Thus, we fulfilled our own demands without any external procurement. This art of “Rope making /weaving” has become extinct because we have shops providing them in proximity. Gore are the days of self-sufficient production and consumption.

Kandhasamy

They also prepared whips which could last for a lifetime. We were skilled craftsmen apart from being farmer, a cattle breeder/grazer and a botanist. The moment consumerism entered our lifestyle, it had perilous effects on the indigenous skills of individuals.

Shanmu

I heard about the famine that occurred in the mid-twentieth century. Could you recall about it?

Kandhasamy

Around 1950, we had a great famine. We had “Kanjith thotti” (a community kitchen) which provided food for all. We had the rice from “Kathazai kizhagu” with the rice collected from that plant we had to suffice our hunger.

Kandhasamy

Much before this famine, we had another famine called “kallikaai (cactus) panjam (famine)”, we weren’t born at that time. We had to eat the jelly from cactus after tactically removing the thorns. People who survived on these cacti were called as “kalli kaayaan”. But the only hardship was that it was hard to digest and hence constipation as one of the side effects.

Kandhasamy

The one big difference between the past and present is that the past had people leading and “agro-centric” lifestyle whereas the present is gradually moving away from agriculture towards a sedan lifestyle. Those days government didn’t intervene because a farmer would take care of his needs/requirements alongside fulfilling the nature’s need! They maintained the water resurces themselves they didn’t wait for any external assistance either from the government od NGOs. The past had a sustainable mode of agriculture whereas the present is(not) driven by market and money! Lesser the demands, more the fulfillment.

Shanmu

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and insightful information with us!

Kandhasamy

You are always welcome!

Devarmalai Temple Tank Thamarai kulum, Karur

Gallery

The priest of the Narrashima temple in Devarmalai shares information about the historical temple.

Shanmu

The temple tank looks very old and beautiful. Could you tell me a few words about this tank?

Priest of the temple

This water tank must be a very old one. It could be more than 1000 years old as the temple itself is 1500 years old.

Shanmu

That's so great. Is water available throughout the year?

Priest of the temple

As far I remember, the water from the tank never ran out except two times in the last drought.

Shanmu

That's so great. Is water available throughout the year?

Priest of the temple

As far I remember, the water from the tank never ran out except two times in the last drought.

Shanmu

Where does the water that flow from the sculpture come from?

Priest of the temple

That was a wonderful technology made by our ancestors. No one knows where it is coming from. But the water flow is never changed and also it looks like it is coming from only a few feets down in the earth. That is something surprising as more than 500 feet borewells in the village usually do not have water. But this Thamari Kulum always has water. The water available here is ever fresh. You can store it in a bottle for months. Here we have limestone sediments which were formed every many years. After (bathing) dipping/taking a dip, people smear the paste formed from these limestones on their forehead. This is similar to thiruman (Namakkatti).

Shanmu

Thank you so much for sharing the information. It is really helpful to understand the water history in the past in Karur.

Priest of the temple

It's my pleasure, thank you!

Senthamiltheni Tamil literary Scholar, Coimbatore

Senthamiltheni is a Tamil literary scholar and film director and shares details about water bodies in the Tamil Classic literature.

Shanmu

As a Tamil literary scholar, could you tell me about how Tamil classic literature narrates water bodies?

Senthamiltheni

Water management was widely followed throughout Tamil Nadu. There is ample evidence in sangam literature. Even people of “Neithal” (in the sea shores) had segregated their resources for drinking and household purposes. Ponds always remained in the proximity of rivers. Rare varieties of rice were found on mountain tops. This land [Coimbatore] is of “Kurinji” type (mountainous landscape). Rainfed regions like this always provided sources for water such as canals, ditches, ponds, lakes etc., moreover the couple rainfall provided adequate water supply for crops and apart from crops we had enough resources which would last throughout the year. On the mountains, people had falls as their primary source.
Poet sirpi Balasubramanian would mention as follows
“Let the dams break/shatter
Rivers flow with running water”
These lines provide the ivory of constructing dams in a mountainous landscape which would affect the turbulence and flow of the river.
In the Chola period, Kallanai was constructed because the region was “Plains” or “Marudham”. Barring few benefits, technology has proved perilous to the natural course. The inherent technology that is innate in ourselves shall be existent forever. But under the pretext of technological advancements, humans create a rift with nature. This era of the Anthropocene should end for the sake of the healing and recreation of earth.

Shanmu

Do we have any references for rivers in Coimbatore in Tamil literature?

Senthamiltheni

We have “Aatru padalam” in almost all literary works. I would take “Kamba Ramayanam” for instance, is very special. River Noyyal had a different name in literature. It was called “Kanchi Ma Nadhi”. The myth believes that “Noyyal is a functional name meaning “Noythal”(a perfect mixture).
“Kaveri” => “Ka” means garden
“viri” means expanse
“Mukoodar pallu” gives nuances about the lives and attachment of Tamil people towards nature.

Shanmu

Thank you for sharing all these important information with us.

Senthamiltheni

Thank you too.

Aarumugam, Tiruppur

Gallery

Arumugam was born and brought up in a village in Triuppur. Currently he lives in Triuppur city. He is an environmental activist and has been working with local NGOs to rejuvenate the tanks in the Tiruppur city.

Shanmu and Arumugam @ Nanjaraya kulam

Shanmu

First of all thank you so much for spending time with me for visiting the tanks in Triuppur. Is there any history of this particular tank, the Nanjaraya kulam? And we all know about how industrial pollution, particularly the dyeing units in Triuppur affect the water bodies. Is this tank also spoiled by polluted water from the dyeing units?

Aarumugam

The tank Nanjaraya kulam was built in the period of Wodeyars. After the period of Tipusultan, Mysore and other areas such as Dharapuram, Erode came under the control of the Wodeyars. This particular river is called Nallar. The village is called as Sarkar peria palayam. This lake extends up to 400 acres. Till 1985, the lake water was the primary source of agriculture. After the advent of dyeing units, the lake became unfit for domestic and agricultural purposes. The dyeing units doomed this lake and the groundwater in this locality.

Aarumugam

Alongside River Noyyal, dyeing units were set up. The effluents from those units polluted Noyyal to such an extent that the river is full of foams. R.Nallar is a tributary of R.Noyyal. In 2004, he ruled that the dam should be opened and no accumulation of water would take place. Later in 2011, SC ordered to shut down all the dyeing units. Those who resided this ruling shifted from Noyyal banks to kumaraplayam. The rest were asked to ensure zero discharge. After this, in order to facilitate them, many industries came forward. L&T, Mahindra & Mahindra signed an MOU during Jayalalitha’s tenure to supply water for these dyeing units. This averted 10 crore liters of effluents being discharged into the river.

Aarumugam

Many years ago, there were thorny bushes spread across this lake. This hosted many migratory species. When the bushes were cleared, the number of avian visitors dipped, another significant measure was the construction of water treatment plant. This was undertaken by PWD.Unfortunately, this project has been shelved after a while. This is a setback for R.Noyyal because the river becomes the destination for untreated sewage from the city. This phenomenon triggers the growth of water hyacinth.

Shanmu

In this case, would the wells (open and borewell) fulfill the agriculture needs?

Aarumugam

No, the groundwater in this locality is unfit for agricultural purposes. The Agri pattern has changed long time ago. We have shifted to rain fed crops such as millet, ragi and corn. The rainfed crops such as millet, ragi and corn. The lake which served as the primary source for domestic and agricultural purposes for around 4 kms is useless now. Though the government took various measures to revamp it, nothing helped!

Aarumugam

In order to save the sanctity of these resources, there are various local deities installed on the banks of those rivers and water bodies. These deities serve both as guardians of the villages as well as the critical natural resources.

Aarumugam

There are 23 check dams in this area. Many lakes are within the city limits of Tiruppur “classic” company rejuvenated one of the lakes and made it as a tourist spot then we have “Moolikulam” it is derived from the word “Moolaikulam” meaning “a Corner Pool”. Another source of water in the earlier period was thennam palayam. In the later stages, this water body succumbed to dyeing affluents. Now the lake has government establishments such as the collectorate and SP office .

Shanmu and Arumugam @ Samalapuram tank

(While Shanmu and Arumugam visited Samalapuram tank, they met fishermen who had taken the tank on contract for fishing from Triuppur corporation)

Shanmu

Does the water level remains the same throughout the year?

Fisherman

No, the water level has been reduced owing to the onset of summer. Now there is construction work in the nearby canal, so they had to contain the water level of minimum.

Shanmu

Thank you

Fisherman

“nodding head and smiling”

Shanmu

How about the pollution in this water tank?

Arumugam

There is no effluent water released to this tank. Because this is the first tank that enters into Triuppur. It is a perennial one.

Shanmu

While we were travelling to this tank, we saw the canals in the Trippur city, I mean, the canals that crosses through Triuppur city looks heavily polluted. But you mentioned that the discharging effluent water to the tanks and canals are under control.

Arumugam

That is actually because of the mini-scale industries. For example, button collars are manufactured by small scale (cottage) industries. The industries function in households thereby discharging the industrial effluents alongwith the domestic wastes in the drainage. This act happens due to lack of awareness.

Shanmu

This happens in Kalingarayan canal as well. As this is a small-scale discharge, it escapes through the loopholes in laws. Moreover it affects the water body to a considerable when it happen for a long period.

Shanmu and Arumugam @ Moolaikulam

Arumugam

Noyyal river is the source for this lake. River Noyyal has around 23 check dams. After constructing a check dam, the water will be diverted to a nearby lake. This has been the 100 years old tradition since the chola period. This water management system is a significant feat of Tongu cholas. This lake is also known as Mooli kulam or Moolai kulam. The name pertains to its location at the corner side of the area.

Arumugam

Moolikulam had savages and effluents drained into it until 1980s. around 1985, the collector(DM) was about to Inaugurate a borewell for drinking purpose. Unfortunately, the water from the tap was polluted just like the lake. Immediately, collector was informed not to come and that the program was cancelled. The tahsildar inspected the area and report that the colour water from the tap is the effect of immense pollution in the lake. After around a decade adequate measures were taken to clean the tank.

Arumugam

The cleaning process could rejuvenate the tank. But it might take another decade for the convalescence of underground water. The polluted groundwater should be extracted then and there. This will gradually purify the underground water. There is muniappasamy temple in the banks.

Shanmu and Arumugam @collectorate office

Arumugam

There were lot of emroachemnts in the lake earlier. At the behest of the district collector those emroachemnts were cleared. Ironically, today’s collectorate is built on the lake. Upon the lake, we have the Tiruppur central bus stand.

Shanmu and Arumugam @ Thamarai kulum

Shanmu

How long this Thamari kulum has been dry?

Arumugam

In the last 40 years, I haven’t seen water in this tank. As far as I remember, it had water only once many years before.

Shanmu

But this tank is a big one. So, what could be the reason you think that tank is dry for so long?

Aarumugam

I don’t know. But what I think is that the water paths (the canals) that bring water to this tank have been blocked by muds, roads and houses. So, that could be the reason.

Shanmu and Arumugam @ Chinnandipalayam kulum

Shanmu

This tank looks beautiful. The water brims over the tank. Islands are established inside the tank. We can spot many species of birds as well. How come this water tank has a different story compared to other tanks we just visited?

Aarumugam

This is because of local NGOs and people who took the charge of cleaning the tank with help of government which is why this is in good condition. But a few years back, it was also like other tanks filled with wastages and drainage water.

Shanmu

It seems the park was constructed near this tank in order to provide entertainment to people but the condition of the park looks very poor. Don’t people visit here?

Aarumugam

Yes, it is constructed to offer entertaining ambiance for the people and beautification of the tank. It has currently not been maintained. The deserted park is in poor condition.

Shanmu

Thank you so much for spending your valuable time, sharing the information and visiting with me to the tanks.

Aarumugam

You are most welcome. You can contact me again if you need any further information.

Shanmu

Thank you!

C R Elangovan, Coimbatore

Gallery

C R Elangovan is a researcher, historian and author of Siruvani Koimbatorin Kudineer (சிறுவாணி கோயம்புத்தூரின் குடிநீர்) (Siruvani Drinking Water of Coimbatore).

Shanmu

Since you have written about the drinking water projects of Coimbatore, what is your perspective about the water scarcity in Coimbatore? What are the causes for today’s water scarcity?

Elangovan

The three factors that lay behind today’s scenario:

Increase in demand for resources
Rapid Urbanization and gradual industrialization
Improved water resources.

Elangovan

There’s a rapid spike in the population of Coimbatore since 1960s. till then, the population today has increased tenfold. The natural resources on the other hand, couldn’t accommodate a humongous crowd. That is the present crisis.

Elangovan

There’s a blooming population owing to its rapid urbanization and upcoming industries. In 19650’s after the first 5 year plan, industries specially cotton textile industries springed in nook and cranny of Coimbatore. These industries invited a floated population which then converted into permanent population.

Elangovan

Population growth had various factors namely climate, economic opportunities and education. Through population grows at a high rate, the technological upheaval came to the rescue. We could manage to provide drinking water to 2 million people at ease.

Elangovan

The chief resources since very carly times are R.Noyyal, R.Amaravati and R.Bhavani. They alongside Siruvani quench the thirst of Coimbatore. The technological prowess of Coimbatore has transformed it from an acute water scarcity ridden district to a water efficient city!

Elangovan

The rivers in covered flow through the undulated lands by cutting across those lands. This creates a fissure(pallam). That’s why many people have “pallam” as suffixes in their names.

Shanmu

Which section in your opinion would be the most vulnerable (population) due to water scarcity? Which sector does acquire more water than others? For example, Coimbatore became an industrial hub and it is called as ‘Manchester of Coimbatore’. Do you think the larger textile industry is responsible for inadequate water in the city?

Elangovan

First of all, the most vulnerable section would be the lot in the margins of the economy, downtrodden masses would bear the brunt of environmental degradation. But canned mineral water is an alternative source to migrate scarcity. Mineral water in cans cut down costs completely and save time to do productive work. Earlier considering agriculture labourers they used to walk miles. This affected their generation. The one big measure which misfired was the construction of dams gradually, dams lost their efficiency. Due to siltation, the dam's efficiency /water holding capacity reduces from 100% to 66% making their function fruitless. Desiltation is not an economically viable remedy.

Elangovan

The modern agriculture sector consumes more water than any other. Our agriculture pattern was changed due to the induction of modern agriculture croppings which are mostly money-oriented and water intensive such as Sugarcane, Coconut and Banana. These require more water than our traditional farmings such as Pulses. If we consider the economic value of water, the most efficient and cost-effective method is the mineral water supply. If water from dam is utilized for sugarcane (which is awater intensive crop), 2000 liters of water would produce ₹40 worth sugar. Whereas mineral water costs is ₹20/l. this is the irony of water economy. Moreover, water contamination in Coimbatore was the highest out of all other districts in madras presidency.

Elangovan

Sungam Bypass road is a classic example for city’s water efficiency. There’s a spillover from valangulam. That water body was surrounded by bush green fields with thaazham poo. But today the green cover is wiped off.

Elangovan

Greatest asset of Coimbatore is its geographical position. The air through the palghal pass carries humidity that favours cotton mills. That is how textile industries ventured in Coimbatore. In 1890, we got our first textile mill (stanes mill).

Elangovan

The drinking water source was adequate after the Siruvani till 1960s. But to accommodate the growing population, we had to opt for Athikadavu project. Coimbatore is a rain-fed region. The water demands of the city are met with the rainfall. In case (rainfall) of monsoon failures for two consecutive years would cripple the agriculture and its allied sectors. Some cash crops like betel nut trees and grapes are unsustainable for our topography. But we manage to produce them because of rainfall and the appropriate weather. Water is the basic component of not only existence but also the economy in the districts of Coimbatore, Erode and Tiruppur.

Shanmu

so, what could be done to reduce the water scarcity in Coimbatore according to you?

Elangovan

Our government should consider equally the roles of rural and urban economy. The rural economy is undervalues when taken into consideration. This reflects in the allocation of funds. Urban people who are well-to do should come forward to safeguard the livelihoods of rural people. Because the progress of the rural people is the opportunity cost!!!

Shanmu

Thank you so much for your timings and sharing insightful information with us.

Elangovan

You are welcome!

Periyasamy

Periyasamy who lives in Karur talks about the water issues and famine in Karur. He is a farmer and doing business in agriculture related products.

Shanmu

I read about Karur history. It has a history of water issues right? As a farmer and businessman, what is your experience about the water issues in your area?

Periyasamy

Yes, sure. We have had many droughts and famines in Karur. Even I had the experience of eating fruits from cactus during the famine. Here in Karur, they used to crack palm trunks in order to gather rice from palm tree. During famines, they were the last resort. Historically Karur belongs to the chola kingdom. Later it was captured by the Marathas. It was Rani Mangamma who liberated these lands and ruled them with Trichy as their capital. She made extensive roads with stones all over her territory. In the neighborhood we have the ancient Kalingarayan. There was a palm leaf inscription about a famine in the past. There is a saying that faminine would occur every sixty years once. The inscription mentions the Tamil year Chitra Banu (1942) and states that the famine originated from the Keralite territory of Kannur and ended up in Trichy. Ponnar Sankar’s grandfather created a tank called velanadu. Then they used the “Keni” or Wells” for water storage. The waters from various rivers that originated from Kerala recharge these wells.

Shanmu

What about the current condition in Karur?

Periyasamy

Actually, The advent of borewells destroyed the rivers and this well storages. Now the water from Amaravati river is stored with the help of 13 checkdam which were constructed in the recent times. Only during 1962-63 we had floods due to a bountiful monsoon that year after this we had floods in frequent intervals such as 1972, 1996, 2005 and 2006.

Periyasamy

Regarding famines we had great famines during the late 1960s and 1975. In 1996, we had a small famine but escaped because of government precautionary measures. But earlier in 1975, we were ill-prepared.Later they constructed Thalapalayam tank which helps us in satisfying our agriculture industrial needs. In 1976 pipes were installed. They introduced the system of common pool. However, water is still continued to be an issue in the forefront of Karur.

Shanmu

Thank you so much for your time and information!

Periasamy

You are most welcome!

Veerappan, Karur

Gallery

Veerapan was born and brought up in a village Anaipalayam near Karur. He is a farmer and shares about the water issues in his village.

Shanmu

Since you live near Amaravathi river belt, you must have much experience in terms of flood and water scarcity. Could you tell me about it?

Veerappan

Yes, of course, Thatham palayam lake was under the control of PWD. Later the Forest department took over the charge. The biggest canal (here) in this locality is the anaipalayam canal. River Amaravati is the main source of livelihood here. If and when the Amaravathi dam is opened, along with water came the hopes to the farmers. In Allagapuri they constructed check dams in order to store water for the dry season. There are around 20 check dams in the locality.

Veerappan

But, unfortunately, Alagapuri dam had mud banks which slid off during a heavy monsoon season and turned the dam ineffectual.
Since the British raj, Anaipalay dam has been called by different names. In Karur, there’s a clear understanding of the process of water sharing. People agreed to let water in once every 15 days. This demanded digging wells. Because wells were the store houses which would provide water during the dry days. But the advent of borewells deteriorated the underground water level.

Veerappan

Another main reason for the disappearance of the river was the sand mafia. They have mined till 10m which is a grave mistake. Sand helps in water retention. Devoid of sand, water retention is impossible. Considering the scarce resources, the farmers slowly shifted from water intensive crops such as turmeric, paddy. They have inclined towards coconut, arecanut and plantains. They need less water when compared to the previous ones. They gave way to digging wells instead opting for borewells.

Shanmu

Do you have any particular water issue in your area now?

Veerappan

Till 2000, we didn’t have any problem for irrigation. The arrival of dyeing units, in scrupulous sand mining and smuggling depleted the riverbed which sooner became devoid of water and (river) sand. In 1976, the government facilitated us with common tank construction and installation of street taps which considerably reduced water scarcity at domestic level.

Veerappan

The changes of seasons, monsoon failure created famines during the 1960s. Also, we had bumper crops during the 1970s, floods also came in the 1980s and latest in 2002. This change in frequent monsoon, made farmers opt for maize, jowar in order to feed their cattle. Thus cattle rearing and coconut groves earn us a living!

Shanmu

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and insightful information with us!

Veerappan

You are always welcome!

Saravanan and village people, Panjapatti, Karur

Gallery

Saravanan and others from the Pasumai Boomi Arakkattali, Panjapatti talk about bringing water to the historical tank in their village. This Panjapatti tank is the third largest tank in Tamil Nadu and has been dry for 16 years due to lack of rain and mismanagement. The village people expressed their dismay and discontentment as the government has not taken efforts and adequate steps to bring the water to the tank.

Shanmu

This tank looks bigger one. How long has it been dry?

Saravanan

Yes, this is one of the largest tanks in Tamil Nadu. Earlier there was a small tank here, but during British colonial India, the stone script was laid in 1837 by Charles and the construction was completed in 1911. It has been dry for 16 years and fully occupied by Prosopis juliflora. In order to bring water to this tank, we [Village people] formed an organization named Pasumai Boomi Arakkattali.

Shanmu

Was there any effort taken to clean and uproot these Prosopis juliflora?

Saravanan

Not much. We have been approaching the government to uproot these Prosopis juliflora. But it ended up in vain. This tree is really dangerous as it can turn the water into poison as it releases the carbon-dioxide. We all once ourselves tried to clean the tank. But we couldn’t because it is such a big one. Without proposer facilities (such as tools, labourers and vehicles) we cannot clean this. We don’t have funds as well. But due to constant pressure from us, the channels that bring water from P. Udaimpatti to Panjapatti lake have been cleaned, though one of them quite poorly. The maramathu tender for the lake has recently been taken for 1.60 crores. But the work has not begun yet.

Shanmu

Okay. Was this tank used for both drinking and agriculture purposes? If so, then how do you all manage the water now?

Saravanan

It was once a major source for drinking and farming. More than 18 villages directly or indirectly depended on this tank for drinking water and farming. If once the tank is filled, the villages around the Panjapatti would get a lot of benefits. The ground water level would be increased and agriculture would boom again. But now our condition is really worse without water. People are migrating to urban and semi-urban places to look for jobs. And these people are farmers. What kind of job do they get? Many youngsters have already left the village. For drinking water for both humans and cattle, we depend on the corporation tap water. But that also always becomes an issue during the peak summer. We would not get a single drop of water. We the village people arrange to buy water and bring through transportation services such as lorry and other vehicles.

Shanmu

Yeah, the water scarcity is a big issue! But you said you formed an organization to bring water to the tank. Do you have any plans? Have you proposed that to the government?

Village People

Yes, we have plans and we proposed that to the government as well. Mayanur dam [nearby dam] stores the surplus water during rainy seasons. During water scarcity, this water would be of little help. We insist that the excessive water from Kaveri which drains into the Bay of Bengal must be diverted with installed pipelines to these dry areas. In Salem, we have this pumping setup. The pumping setup provides borewell pumps to the higher lands where canals are impassable. In Andhra this scheme was implemented successfully during Chandra Babu Naidu’s tenure, Tamil Nadu is trailing behind Andhra in the implementation. Also water harvesting is taking place over many years. But we don’t receive adequate rains. Also the government has a weaker-will and failed to mobilize these aspects during policy formulation. Here is the document of our proposal to the government.

Village People

Thank you so much to you too. Research projects like this one may bring more attention to our water issue. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any additional details. We would be happy to provide them.

Shanmu

Yes, I will. Thank you.

Swaminthan, Kurichi Kulam Padukappu Iyakkam NGO, Coimbatore

Kurichi Kulum in the outskirt of Coimbatore is spread around 328 acres. A few years ago it was functioning only as a drainage and filled with water hyacinth and plant debris and city wastes. The NGO Kurichi Kulum Padukappu Iyakkam who took the massive drives to remove all the wastes and cleaned the tank with help of other NGOs, PWD and local people. The founding president S M Swaminathan shares this experience with me.

Shanmu

Kurichi Kulum Padukappu Iyakkam is doing an amazing job in terms of rejuvenating and preserving Kurichi Kulum tank. Could you tell me more about this? How did you start repairing the tank? What was its condition earlier?

Swaminthan

Thank you. Ponds are primary sources of a blooming ecosystem. If Kurichi Kulam (pond) has adequate water, it would make the aerated lands fertile. It would recharge the groundwater for around 25km. Six years ago, this pond was dry. Industries effluents and sewages ran into this pond. As an initiative, I, along with other NGO, formed an organization – “kurichi Kulam conservation forum. They responded well. They started from scratch. Starting from the catchment area, at Chithirai Chavadi, there is a junction. The water bifurcates its route to feed 9 more lakes.

Swaminthan

After Chithirai Chavadi anaicut, there is another dam called as the Kuniamuthur anaicut. From this anaicut, water flows to four lakes such as Sundakamuthur lake, Perur lake, Sottaiyandi tank etc., Kuniamuthur anaicut stores water and periodically supplies to all these lakes when there is an adequate water flow, all these tanks have regular supply. But when the water level recedes, these lakes take a turn to receive water. Water will be diverted to all the 9 lakes between Monday to Saturday. From Saturday evening to Monday morning. Kurichi Kulam and its allied bodies take its turn.

Swaminthan

We wanted to renovate the channel through which water flows into Kurichi lake. We sought the help of the masses. They responded to our call. Around 1000 people turned up to accomplish the task. This gave a fillip to our motive. We created an awareness to these people regarding water conservation. Subsequently, we wanted to earn the attention of the government. This led us to conduct a rally. The government intervention enabled us the funding for maramathu work from NLC, Neyveli. It sanctioned 21.60 crores from their corpus as a part of CSR, this led to increase its capacity by 14 lakh crore liters. This is a critical success.

Swaminthan

Undoubtedly, Kurichi Kulam is the pioneer organization that took over the conservation efforts single handedly this inspired few others to join the conservation cycle in their localities.

Shanmu

Does Kurichi Kulum come under the ‘Smart City’?

Swaminthan

“Smart City” is a boon for Coimbatore because around 8 lakhs have been chosen for conservatory efforts. Those 8 lakhs come under city limits. Kurichi kulam falls out of city limits. So it was not chosen. The state government finally reached out and sanctioned around 84 crores for conservation efforts. Besides water conservation, I ‘ve been trying to spread the message of urea- free agriculture.

Shanmu

Apart from this, do you have any particular memory about the tank as you live in a nearby village of the tank.

Swaminthan

Yes, I do. I am actually 65 years old now. During my younger days, I used to bathe in the tank. The water was always abundant and brimming over the tank. The fields of sugarcane, paddy and plantain farms were surrounded by the tank. It was wonderful scenery. We are trying to bring back those glorious days. We actually made islands inside the tank that attracts many birds now. Now the tanks looks much better and beautiful compared to previous ones. Now we also try to rejuvenate other tanks by receiving help from the PWDs.

Shanmu

Thank you for sharing your experience and information about the tanks with me.

Swaminthan

Its my pleasure!

Oosai Kalidas

Gallery

--intro--

Shanmu

Question

Oosai Kalidas

Coimbatore is cherished as everyone’s favourite because of its climate. In many districts of Tamil Nadu, water cans are (sold) serving as primary source of drinking water. But Coimbatore’s consumption of mineral water is comparatively lesser, Kovaiites rely upon either “Siruvaani” or “Athikadavu” for drinking water. The tap water is directly consumed. This is a near impossibility in any other district. Interstingly, these two rivers aren’t a part of Coimbatore. R.Siruvani originates in the hills 35km away from the dam. Athikadavu is a part of pillur dam, R.Bhavani is a tributary of R.Kaveri. These two dams transformed Coimbatore into a haven for settlements.

Oosai Kalidas

Around 1889, Coimbatore was infamous for its acute water scarcity, one of the old records of madras presidency portrays the sorry state of health and sanitation in Coimbatore. Today, Siruvani supplies drinking water for 10 million people approx. which accounts for 50% of the population. It would be appropriate to segregate the periods as “BS” * “AS” (Before Siruvani and After Siruvani).

Oosai Kalidas

It was Narasimhalu Naidu who took the initiative to solve the water crisis. He rode on horseback to find “Muthikulam falls”. This remained as a foundation for Siruvani dam!

Oosai Kalidas

R.Noyyal was the primary water source that is present within the city limits. But source of Noyyal was non-perennial. If there’s a scanty rainfall, water level in Noyyal dips down. This was the only reason to ignore Noyyal from being the drinking resource. Nevertheless, the civilization in and around Coimbatore developed on the banks of R.Noyyal, “Siruthuli” had conducted a fair called “நதிக்கரை நாகரீகம்” one of the exhibits there enunciated the “Noyyal Nagareegam”. Sadly, the river sports a desolate view.

Oosai Kalidas

Sanganur palalm, once had pristine Noyyal passing through it. Workers from factories such as Textool, Pricol preferred to drink Noyyal water instead of tapped drinking water provided by their respective factories. But today, the thought of visiting the place seems to be a nightmare. It would be apt to call it as “Cooum of Coimbatore”. The city’s drainage mixes with the Noyyal Channels there by leading to a “foamy waterflow.

Oosai Kalidas

Coming back to the vision of Narasimhalu Naidu, he was the pioneer legislator who proposed the idea of constructing Siruvani dam. But it took(1927) around 30 years for Coimbatore municipality to commence the process. In 1927, Ratna Sababathy Mudaliar initiated this process. Even Gazette published that year states that Coimbatore is an unlikely/ unfit place to live characterized by cholera, Dengue and contaminated water bodies.

Oosai Kalidas

Noyyal has very less catchment area. It is called as “Kanchimaa Nadhi” in literary parlance. It gave birth to civilizations. Noyyal has a turbulent flow. This is because of its sources. The tanks provide enough water. But owing to urbanization, those tanks were ignored without maramathu works, situation started. Gradually, thus Noyyal gets pollutes because of various causes.

Oosai Kalidas

In the present scenario, many non-state cutors along with people renovated the channels. The three challenges lying in front of them are:

To renovate the channels connecting the tanks and rivers.
To desilt the tanks(sources)
To avert the mixing of sewage (untreated) into rivers.

Oosai Kalidas

These NGOs joined hands with leading firms (whonassist them as a part of CSR-corporate social responsible) and renovated the “Kurichi Kulam”.

Oosai Kalidas

There is one hurdle in this conservation activity. There is a misunderstanding while policy formation. Government takes adequate steps for beautification rather conservatory measures. This contradication leads to counter-productivity. For eg. Vilankurichi Boat house, Inspite of excessive funcing and beautification, the boat house failed because of water hyacinth (an invasive species).

Oosai Kalidas

Before policy formulation, Government should discuss with the conservation activists who are trying to channelize the water resources. More external embellishments won’t revamp water bodies.

Oosai Kalidas

Noyyal is a (part of) tributary of R.Cauvery.R.Bhavani originates in Nilgiris. That place is a part of Nilgiris. That place is a part of Nilgiris biosphere reserve. R.Siruvani’s origin comes under forest department. That’s how we ought to protect our resources.

Oosai Kalidas

Nilgiris => highly Eco sensitive areas Nilgiris Biosphere is a ecologically critical area of the western ghats. The reason behind that is the shola grasslands. Nilgiris has this shola grassland in abundance at the top. Water retention capacity of shola grassland is very high. This makes Nilgiris as the reservoir of rivers. This is an ecological miracle because rivers are formed with the help of glaciers.

Oosai Kalidas

Unfortunately, now Nilgiris is slowly transformed into a tourist spot. This act would compromise the land use policies and regulations. This is a grievous blunder which would severely impact the water (domestic/industrial) source of plains. There should be a strategic plan in the land use policy in eco-sensitive areas which act as the primary source for key river systems.

Oosai Kalidas

The main objectives behind “Tanks renovation” are:

Tanks serves as primary source for rivers.
With an adequate rainfall of 700 mm, tanks would be the appropriate catchment area. They can be storehouse awing rainy season. Later through channels and check dams, this water flows into rivers during off seasons.
Tanks act as aquifers recharging the underground water levels.
Tanks shall give birth to a new ecosystem which accommodate may migratory species.

Oosai Kalidas

Western Ghats should be treated with high degree of conservation. If the land use in those areas don’t comply the rules, it would bring catastrophe to the river systems contaminating them right at their origin.

Oosai Kalidas

Coimbatore is in a vulnerable position in terms of underground water. Due to excessive borewells and rapid urbanization, the city is moving towards an acute water scarcity and reckless water contamination.

Oosai Kalidas

There should be an incentivization for:
Rainwater harvesting
Industrial water harvesting sewage treatment

Shanmu

When was the water scarcity in Coimbatore at its highest?

Oosai Kalidas

In 1927, Coimbatore District Magistrate mentioned that he survives on soda due to lack of drinking water. The advent of Siruvani solved the crisis.

Shanmu

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and insightful information with us!

Oosai Kalidas

You are always welcome!

Periyakanan, Viraliyur, Coimbatore

Gallery

Periyakanan is more than 80 years old and he lives in the village Viraliyur which is located near Velliyangri hills (Western gate), Coimbatore. He recollects his memory about the water history, scarcity and famine in the past.

Shanmu

Could you recall the water scarcity in the last 80 years?

Periyakanan

Yes, of course. It was around 1970. I am 73 at present. It could still remember the events. Our village elders took a remedial measure. They got signatures from all the 20 families as a proof of the famine. They had to carry and show it in every Thana (police station) en route to Sathyamangalam. From there, they procured 3 sacks of sorghum/millet reporting the sorry state of 20 families in the wrecking famine. I’ve heard later that the Nataraja Gounder aka “Methaiveetu gounder” offered rice in the lunch and gruel in the morning for people in his locality. During this period we were offered Aloe Vera fruit which was juicy and sweet.

Shanmu

Do you remember anything more about the famine?

Periyakanan

Yes. During Karunanithi’s tenure we had one of the biggest famines. During that famine we had nothing but broken maize (dalia). We had to wait in long queues in ration shops which were fewer in number. This famine made the ruling party to lose its forte forever. Their dismal administration and failure to seal inflation was the reason. There’s a song:
“Aiyaiyoo Congress eh what’s the price of rice?
Oh Ruined Congress eh what’s the price of pulses?” This song was quite at that time. During the same tenure, we travelled alongside 200 bullock carts to Vellingiri foothills via Semmedu to reach Kallipalayam to location where food grains was distributed.

Periyakanan

Another significant event was the farmer’s protest. All the central prisons such as Coimbatore, Vellore and Trichy overflowed with the farmers who protested the EB price hike. The govt. demanded farmers to pay 17 paisa at the time of famine. This sparked widespread protests. Farmers camped in Town hall road. Many were arrested and sent to various prisons. When we received information about the said arrest, we immediately stopped. Later, the govt. conceded.

Periyakanan

We had an acute water scarcity. The wells ran dry. With scarce resources, we could manage for the domestic purposes. But irrigation needs much more. We used to fetch water from nearby ponds. Those who resided near the rivers fetched water in big bullock carts with big drums. People who lived in the purlieu of foothills and rivers managed to have adequate water even during dry seasons. When the water levels sink, we young lads were given the responsibility of fetching water from abnormal depths. We did this at the cost of our studies. Moreover, I was not inclined towards studies. Yet I attended school till class 3. Though we had enough opportunities and resources, I didn’t utilize them enough. I was interested in cattle rearing and agriculture.

Periyakanan

In those days, it was a favorite pastime to accompany the shepherds and cattle rearers. Occasionally we bunk our classes to indulge in this and get chastised later. Through these people I became familiar with the mountain and its routes. The carts which passed through the hills gave us the details of towns which we scarcely visit. In the hills, we came across rare varieties of fruits such as goose berry, jamun and a unique variety of blue berries endemic to the region. Also we used to gather rice from trees. Sixty years once, bamboo tree yields paddy. It is found on hilltop. We climb the mountain, perform prayers after finding the bamboo yield. Then after ten days we again go to the spot to gather the paddy. After removing the husk, we prepare our favorite kachayam (sweet pudding). The Kadukkan palam or blue berry was a renowned snack of those days.

Periyakanan

Visiting town was a rare occurrence. When someone falls grievously ill, they would be taken to hospital in town. We either would accompany them or would visit them to provide food grains and pulses. One has to stay in the premises till he recovers. They were fewer hospitals. But once in a year we had to visit hospital because of typhoid. Typhoid caused during rainy season because of water contaminated with allergic leaves that fall in water. The main source of water was ponds. Water drains from hills. The springs from hills get contaminated by the allergic leaves, drain into ponds and thus comes typhoid.

Shanmu

Could you tell me about the ponds and tanks in your village?

Periyakanan

We had many ponds then. They are flooded by heavy rains. Once the floods rose in alarmingly, reaching the trunk of the larger tamarind tree that stands en route Isha foundation. Fortunately, any disaster was averted as water levels receded in two hours. Ponds overflow during rainy season. They fullfil the water needs throughout the year. As times change, people opted for borewells for water. Their sense of civility and sanitation averted them from using the pond water. We kneel down and drank water directly from the muddy ponds. But we filtered the impurities it by spreading our dhotis in it. This enabled us to drink clean water with dhotis as filters.

Periyakanan

In few ponds, elders never allowed to do so. Instead they gave us a pitcher to fetch water from the pond and prompted us to drink without polluting the water as it’s a primary source of drinking water. Such was their concern for water bodies.

Periyakanan

If we climb up the hills, one can find many springs with herbal powers. To distil this water, we use the leaves of Calotrophis. The moment we drop the Calotrophis leaf into the spring, its milk starts the distillation process by setting the impurities aside. Now the water becomes crystal clear and tasty.

Periyakanan

We had a distinctive and eco-friendly lifestyle and farming techniques whereas today there is a seismic shift. People harvest simple vegetables within weeks, visit market almost daily. But these instruments failed to make both the ends meet.

Periyakanan

We had enough snacks throughout the year. After harvest, we store the pulses to prepare snacks during off seasons. Sesame, pulses are the main ingredients. Though we used limited ingredients, the snacks were delicious and palatable. We hadn’t known any sweet beyond laddoo. Even laddoo entered our lives quite late. When we attended a party, we noticed a plate full of yellow balls. I assumed it to be ripe guava. When I tasted it, it was sweet. Then we were told that the dish was laddoo. Those days white sugar was used occasionally. That was my maiden experience with that dish. Later we tasted at a dinner in our relatives abode.

Periyakanan

Today walking is a luxury. During our times it was indispensable part of our lives. Even during heavy rains, we had to walk to our fields. In spite of rain, we ought to plough the patch of land allotted to us on that day. We covered ourselves with gunny bags. Our elders were inconsiderate about the weather. Be it scorching sun or heavy downpour, they had the stoic endurance to face them. They taught us by living.

Periyakanan

I am a registered MGNREGA worker. During this time an interesting thing happened. The area allotted to us had 7 trees on the brink of death. Our group of 7 implemented our ancestor’s technique and saved those trees. The Officer from Agri dept. was quite impressed with our work. He congratulated us for the endeavour and took some ideas from us. We followed the technique of mulching. We made a mud bund using the mud from pond. The mud from pond is an enriched agent and increases the productivity besides making the land fertile. The Officer made us to demonstrate various other traditional methods of farming in television. The old techniques relied entirely upon rainwater and pond water. We had no fertilizers unlike today. Nevertheless, we had bumper yields. We were trained by old-school, rigid, eco-friendly organic farmers who transported their agri skills to us in an impeccable fashion.

Shanmu

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experiences with us.

Periyakanan

Come again after this Covid-19. I will take you to the tanks and ponds. We can talk more about them.

Shanmu

Sure, thank you so much.

Interviews

Kandasamy

Devarmalai Temple Tank Thamarai kulum, Karur

Senthamiltheni Tamil literary Scholar, Coimbatore

Aarumugam, Tiruppur

Shanmu and Arumugam @ Nanjaraya kulam

Shanmu and Arumugam @ Samalapuram tank

Shanmu and Arumugam @ Moolaikulam

Shanmu and Arumugam @collectorate office

Shanmu and Arumugam @ Thamarai kulum

Shanmu and Arumugam @ Chinnandipalayam kulum

C R Elangovan, Coimbatore

Periyasamy

Veerappan, Karur

Saravanan and village people, Panjapatti, Karur

Swaminthan, Kurichi Kulam Padukappu Iyakkam NGO, Coimbatore

Oosai Kalidas

Periyakanan, Viraliyur, Coimbatore