Quarrying at Sivarakottai Threatens Key Water Source for Farmland
Quarrying at Sivarakottai has triggered strong concern among farmers who depend on the Sivarakottai Karisal Kulam tank for irrigation. The tank, located near Kallikudi in Madurai district, serves as the main water source for nearly 127 acres of agricultural land. Farmers allege that excessive soil excavation has reduced the tank’s water-holding capacity, raising fears of water scarcity in the coming seasons.
Quarrying at Sivarakottai is currently being carried out inside the tank area with official permission, but local farmers say the work has gone far beyond the approved limits. They believe the depth of excavation has crossed safe levels, which could disturb natural water flow and weaken the tank’s ability to store rainwater.
The Sivarakottai tank plays a crucial role in supporting agriculture in this dry region. Any reduction in its capacity could directly affect crop irrigation, especially during monsoon failures or delayed rainfall.
Quarrying at Sivarakottai Alarms Farmers Dependent on Tank Water
Farmer representatives from Sivarakottai have raised serious objections, stating that the quarrying activity does not match what was originally approved. According to local leaders, permission was granted only for shallow soil removal, mainly to improve surface conditions.
However, farmers claim that excavation has gone as deep as 21 feet in some areas. They fear that such deep digging will permanently reduce the tank’s storage volume and disturb the channels that carry water to farmlands.
Farmers say that once the tank bed is damaged, it will not be easy to restore its original structure. Reduced storage means less water for irrigation, directly affecting crop yields and farm income. Paddy, pulses, and other seasonal crops grown in the area rely heavily on water released from the tank.
There is also concern that deep quarrying could alter groundwater recharge patterns. Tanks like Sivarakottai Karisal Kulam not only store surface water but also help recharge wells in surrounding villages. Farmers fear that continued excavation may dry up nearby borewells over time.
Quarrying at Sivarakottai Adds to Regional Water Body Damage
Farmers have pointed out that Sivarakottai is not an isolated case. Quarrying activities are reportedly ongoing in nearby villages such as Nesaneri, Karisalkalampatti, and Suppalapuram. According to farmers, similar excavation in those areas has already damaged water bodies and reduced irrigation reliability.
They say repeated quarrying across villages could create a chain effect, weakening the region’s traditional water storage system. Tanks have historically acted as flood buffers and irrigation lifelines, and their damage could increase both water scarcity and flood risk.
Another concern raised by farmers is the lack of monitoring at the Sivarakottai tank site. They allege that there are no CCTV cameras or proper inspection mechanisms in place to ensure that quarrying stays within permitted limits. This, they say, allows unchecked excavation to continue.
Farmers have urged district authorities to conduct an immediate field inspection, measure excavation depth accurately, and halt work if violations are found.
Quarrying at Sivarakottai Defended by Officials
Officials from the Kallikudi block administration have responded to the allegations by stating that quarrying at Sivarakottai is being carried out under proper supervision. They said the soil being excavated is required for a bridge construction project in the village and that permissions were granted after careful consideration.
According to officials, the work is monitored regularly to ensure that it does not harm the water body. They maintain that excavation is within permissible limits and deny claims of excessive digging.
Officials also stated that the district administration is aware of the farmers’ concerns and will continue to monitor the situation. They assured that steps would be taken if any deviation from approved guidelines is found. Also Read: Justin Bieber New Back Tattoo Draws Attention for Its Personal Meaning in 2026
However, farmers remain unconvinced and say that visible changes in the tank structure already indicate damage. They argue that once the tank loses depth in certain areas, uneven water storage and poor canal flow become unavoidable.
Conclusion
Quarrying at Sivarakottai has become a point of tension between farmers and authorities, highlighting the fragile balance between development work and water security. As agriculture in the region depends heavily on tank irrigation, farmers say protecting Sivarakottai Karisal Kulam is essential to safeguard their livelihoods and long-term water needs.
