The Athikadavu–Avinashi Scheme is a major groundwater recharge and drinking water project in Kongu Nadu. It aims to divert surplus water from the Bhavani River to drought-prone areas in Coimbatore, Tiruppur, and Erode. It's most important long-term water sustainability projects in the Kongu region.

Main Purpose

• Recharge groundwater levels
• Fill lakes, ponds, and tanks
• Improve irrigation for farmers
• Support drinking water needs indirectly

Key Facts

• Project cost: around ₹1,900 crore
• Water diverted: about 1.5 TMC from Bhavani River
• Coverage: 1,045 water bodies
• Pipeline network: about 1,065 km
• Irrigation benefit: around 24,468 acres of farmland
• Beneficiary districts: Coimbatore, Tiruppur, and Erode

How It Works

The scheme lifts surplus river water using pumping stations and sends it through pipelines into lakes and ponds. The stored water then seeps underground and raises the water table. Some challenge: Depends heavily on monsoon surplus water

History

• Farmers demanded the project for decades. (since independence)
• Initial proposals date back to the 1970s.
• Administrative approval came in 2018.
• Construction accelerated after 2019.
• 95% progress reached & Stalled after regime change in 2021.
• After 3y hurdles by DMK, finally Official inauguration happened in August 2024 by M. K. Stalin.

Benefits

• Better groundwater in dry regions
• Reduced dependence on borewells
• Improved agriculture
• Revival of traditional tanks and lakes

DMK regime

• In DMK regime, Maintenance issues like leaks and damaged equipment were reported.

Thanthi TV explainer video: What is Athikadavu - Avinashi Scheme?