Irrigation under the Palar Anicut System: A Case Study from Tamil Nadu

The paper examines the pattern of agriculture and the characteristics and conditions of water supply in the Polar Anicut System (PAS) between 1906 and 1990. General features of tanks served by the system is discussed in relation to size of ayacut and the storage capacity of tonics. Major factors determining the realisation of water and its discharge from the Anicut are identified by using multiple regression analysis. The results indicate that the available water supply at the Anicut has not been diverted equitably among the four main channels of the system. Diverted Anicut supply is more favourable in the northern section channels than the southern section and this is due to defective intake point coupled with poor infrastructural facilities of the southern section channel. The paper suggests that the Polar Anicut System could be improved if the physical facilities (inlet channels, bunds, channel beds, sluices and so on) are properly maintained, if necessary to be modernised: and the officials are given proper training to effectively monitor and manage the water flows at the Anicut.