Context
Farmers in Erode district, Tamil Nadu, protested at the District Collectorate in October 2026, demanding the release of water from Bhavanisagar Dam into the Kalingarayan Canal for irrigation. The demand was linked to the shortage of irrigation water affecting farmers cultivating turmeric and other crops.
About Bhavanisagar Dam
- Location: Near Bhavanisagar in Erode district, Tamil Nadu.
- Other Name: Lower Bhavani Dam.
- River: Bhavani River, a major tributary of the Cauvery River.
- Construction: Built between 1948 and 1955, after India’s independence.
- Type: Earthen dam; it is among the largest earthen dams in Asia.
- Significance: It is one of the major irrigation and water-management projects in Tamil Nadu.
Major Uses
- Irrigation: Supplies water to agricultural areas through the Lower Bhavani Project canal system.
- Water supply: Supports drinking water and other regional water requirements.
- Flood management: Helps regulate the flow of water released downstream.
- Agricultural development: Supports cultivation in the Bhavani river basin.
Important Canals
- Lower Bhavani Project Canal: Carries reservoir water to agricultural areas served by the Lower Bhavani irrigation system.
- Kalingarayan Canal: An important irrigation canal in Erode district; farmers recently demanded water release from the dam through this canal.
Geographical Significance
- The Bhavani River originates in the Western Ghats, flows through Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and joins the Cauvery River near Bhavani in Tamil Nadu.
- Bhavanisagar Reservoir plays an important role in managing water for agriculture and other regional needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Where is Bhavanisagar Dam located, and on which river is it built?
Bhavanisagar Dam is located near Bhavanisagar in Erode district, Tamil Nadu, on the Bhavani River, a major tributary of the Cauvery River.
Q2. What are the other names and key features of Bhavanisagar Dam?
It is also known as the Lower Bhavani Dam. Built between 1948 and 1955, it is an earthen dam considered one of the largest of its kind in Asia.
Q3. What are the major uses of Bhavanisagar Dam?
Its major uses include irrigation, drinking-water supply, flood management and supporting agricultural development in the Bhavani River basin.
