The Gettisamudram lake that serves as a major ground water recharge source in Anthiyur of Erode district
| Photo Credit: M. Govarthan
In the largely agrarian Anthiyur constituency spanning the plains and the Bargur Hills, ensuring reliable water supply for drinking and irrigation has long remained a persistent challenge.
The Varattupallam reservoir, with a storage capacity of 1.39 tmc ft, feeds five lakes and supports groundwater recharge. Farmers have repeatedly called for its desilting to restore the capacity and maximise monsoon storage. The constituency has seen several water management proposals, including check dams across the Maniyachi Pallam stream and at Valukkuparai in the hills, along with plans to divert water to the reservoir. While these measures can improve irrigation in the plains, hill residents fear ecological disruption, including impacts on forests, wildlife and traditional livelihoods.
Published – March 28, 2026 07:34 pm IST
