Puducherry seeks dedicated pipeline from Sathanur Dam for water supply

Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kailashnath has called for the establishment of a dedicated pipeline to transport drinking water from the Sathanur Dam to the Union Territory. Speaking at a South Indian Chief Ministers' conference, he emphasized that Puducherry currently relies heavily on groundwater, which has led to issues such as high TDS levels, iron, and nitrate concentrations in certain areas.

To ensure a stable year-round supply, the Lieutenant Governor proposed creating an integrated surface water resource system. He noted that support from neighboring states, particularly Tamil Nadu, is essential. The proposal includes connecting the Shangarapani and Thenpennaiyar rivers with the proposed Godavari link project and incorporating Puducherry’s requirements into the National Water Development Agency’s canal infrastructure.

Kailashnath also referenced a historical agreement dating back to 1910 between the British government and the Puducherry administration regarding water release from the Sathanur Dam. While this agreement has been renewed in 1969, 1976, and 2007, it currently only ensures controlled water release through the Pangaru canal for two months during the monsoon season. The new proposal seeks to expand this to meet consistent drinking water needs.