Cauvery-South Vellar Link Project

January 24, 2025

The Cauvery-South Vellar Link project has faced delays as the Union government has yet to grant in-principle approval, four years after Tamil Nadu’s request in January 2021. The Supreme Court recently addressed this issue while dismissing Karnataka’s plea to halt the project. The court noted that without the Centre’s approval, there was no need to consider Karnataka’s request for an interim injunction.

Project Overview

The Cauvery-South Vellar Link project aims to divert surplus water from the Cauvery River to the South Vellar River in Tamil Nadu.
It includes constructing a canal from the Mettur Dam to the Sarabanga basin in Salem district.
The project is estimated to cost ₹565 crore and is designed to alleviate water scarcity in southern Tamil Nadu.

Karnataka’s Concerns

Karnataka has raised objections, claiming that the project would unfairly appropriate its Cauvery water. The state argues that the project violates existing agreements and decisions made by the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and the Supreme Court. Karnataka contends that Tamil Nadu’s actions disregard constitutional conventions and federal principles.

Historical Context

The initiative to link the Cauvery and Gundar rivers began in 2014 with the construction of a barrage at Mayanur. This project is part of a larger river linking strategy outlined in the National Perspective Plan, which aims to manage water resources across various basins in India.

Phases of Implementation

The project consists of multiple phases:

Phase One: Construction of a canal from the Cauvery to the Vaigai, covering 118.44 km.
Phase Two: Linking the South Vellar and Vaigai rivers over approximately 110 km.
Phase Three: Connecting the Vaigai with the Gundar River, spanning 34.04 km.

The overall canal will extend 262.19 km and is designed to carry around 6,000 cusecs of water.

Impact on Agriculture and Water Supply

The Kaveri–Vaigai Link Canal Project aims to provide irrigation to an additional 3.38 lakh hectares. It is expected to enhance domestic and industrial water supply, particularly during dry seasons, thus supporting agricultural productivity in Tamil Nadu.

Geographical Significance

The Cauvery River originates in Karnataka and flows through Tamil Nadu before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The Vaigai River, which rises in the hills of Madurai, drains into the Palk Bay. The Gundar River, flowing through Tamil Nadu, also plays a critical role in regional water management.

Legal and Political Dimensions

The ongoing legal disputes between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu highlight the complexities of inter-state water sharing in India. Karnataka has consistently opposed any projects that it perceives as infringing upon its water rights, emphasising the need for adherence to established legal frameworks.

Future Prospects

The future of the Cauvery-South Vellar Link project remains uncertain pending the Union government’s approval. The project is important element in Tamil Nadu’s strategy to manage water resources efficiently and combat regional water scarcity challenges.

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