Tamil Nadu to desilt 10,185 channels, 809 ponds in ₹508-crore pre-monsoon drive

The Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department of Tamil Nadu will begin rejuvenation of 10,185 irrigation channels and 809 ponds across the state from Monday, August 17, 2026. The works, part of the state's preparedness for the northeast monsoon, will be taken up under the Viksit Bharat – Gramin Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB-G RAM G) scheme.

The desilting of water bodies and irrigation channels is aimed at enabling rainwater storage to full capacity, raising the groundwater table, and improving irrigation facilities for agriculture. It is also expected to contribute to flood control during periods of heavy rainfall, according to officials.

The works will be implemented in 37 districts, excluding Chennai, at an estimated cost of ₹507.92 crore. Minister for Rural Development and Water Resources N. Anand is scheduled to inaugurate the works. Subsequently, Ministers and MLAs will launch desilting activities in their respective rural constituencies in the coming days, sources said.

The desilting exercise will involve the removal of silt, aquatic weeds, and other obstructions from the channels and ponds, restoring their original depth and carrying capacity. This is essential because silt deposits over time reduce the ability of these water bodies to capture and retain rainwater, affecting downstream irrigation and increasing flood risks.

Tamil Nadu receives a significant portion of its annual rainfall from the northeast monsoon, which typically spans October through December. This monsoon is vital for replenishing the state's reservoirs, tanks, and irrigation systems. Regular maintenance of the water infrastructure ensures efficient use of rainwater, reduces dependence on groundwater, and supports the rabi and kuruvai cropping seasons.

The VB-G RAM G scheme is a government initiative that supports rural employment and livelihood generation through durable asset creation. By leveraging this scheme, the state aims to provide wage employment to rural workers while creating valuable water infrastructure. The project is expected to benefit both the farming community and rural labourers, making it a dual-purpose intervention.

Local bodies and block-level authorities have been tasked with executing the works. The department has instructed officials to ensure quality and timely completion, with progress being tracked through its regional offices. The aim is to finish the desilting process before the onset of the northeast monsoon in October.

The initiative is expected to improve irrigation coverage, enhance groundwater recharge, and mitigate the impact of intense rainfall in vulnerable areas. Farmers have expressed support for the drive, noting that well-maintained channels and ponds are essential for sustainable agriculture. The project is also seen as a step towards strengthening the state's climate resilience in the face of increasingly variable weather patterns.