Tirumurthi Dam desilting resumes following government approval

Desilting operations have resumed at the Tirumurthi Dam near Udumalpet following government approval. The reservoir, located in the Western Ghats, is a vital source for irrigation across the Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts, supporting over 376,000 acres under the Parambikulam-Aliyar Project (PAP) system and additional land via the Thali and Vayapalayam canals.

Work had been temporarily suspended on July 31 following complaints of irregularities regarding the removal and transportation of soil. After inspections and appeals from farmers—who noted that the nutrient-rich silt is essential for soil fertility—the government granted permission to restart the process.

Local residents are now calling for strict monitoring and continuous supervision. They have urged authorities to verify the quantity of soil removed by beneficiaries and ensure it is transported only to permitted agricultural lands to prevent misuse of the operation.