DHARMAPURI : Water scarcity was the biggest worry of the residents of Thurinjipatti in Pappireddipatti taluk here. But not anymore, thanks to the united work of 42 farmers who recharged a lake by spending over Rs 90 lakh.
Krishnachetty lake spanning an area 9.2 acre is the only source of water for irrigational purposes in Thurinjipatti. But the lake is located at a height and water seldom reach it from River Veppadi River, which is 2.2 km away.
An association named ‘Vidiyal water-lifting for irrigation and ground water resource maintenance’ was formed by the 42 farmers by contributing over Rs 90 lakh to recharge the lake. The plan of operation was to transfer the water from a well located near the river to the lake via pipe connection. The association was formed in April 2014. But due to procedural delays, it took over a year to fill the lake with water. Finally, in October 2015, it brimmed with water.
Express visited the village and spoke to farmers association coordinator Tamilvannan (46), who is also a clerk in a primary agricultural co-operative society (PACS). He said, “The association spotted a dysfunctional panchayat well near the Veppadi riverbed and approached the PWD to take water from the well to the lake. Initially many farmers tried to support this project. But when we started asking for contributions, only a few were ready to part with money. Some 40 farmers applied for a Rs 40 lakh loan — Rs 1 lakh each for a five-year term — from Thurinjipatti PACS. The remaining Rs 50 lakh was obtained as loan from private parties.”