Water scarcity has been a major challenge in several parts of western Tamil Nadu, especially in the districts of Coimbatore district, Tiruppur district, and Erode district. To address this issue, the government introduced the Athikadavu–Avinashi Groundwater Recharge and Drinking Water Supply Scheme (AAGRS), a large-scale water management initiative designed to improve groundwater levels, support agriculture, and provide reliable drinking water to millions of people. The project was officially commissioned in August 2024 and represents one of the most significant water conservation projects in the region.
The Athikadavu–Avinashi scheme was developed with the aim of utilizing surplus water from the Bhavani River. Water is diverted from the downstream area of the Kalingarayan Anicut and distributed to drought-prone regions through an extensive pipeline network. The project has a total cost of approximately ₹1,916 crore and is designed to divert around 1.5 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of surplus river water. This water is used to fill numerous lakes, tanks, and ponds, thereby helping to recharge groundwater and improve water availability in the surrounding agricultural lands.
A major feature of the scheme is its wide geographical coverage. The project benefits several drought-affected areas across Coimbatore, Tiruppur, and Erode districts, covering nearly 24,468 acres of land. By filling existing water bodies and improving groundwater recharge, the project aims to restore the region’s water resources and support long-term agricultural sustainability. Many farmers in these districts depend heavily on groundwater for irrigation, and declining water levels in recent years have created serious challenges for farming communities.
The infrastructure developed for the Athikadavu–Avinashi scheme is extensive and technologically advanced. The project includes approximately 1,065.30 kilometers of pipelines that transport water across multiple regions. It also features six pumping stations that help regulate the movement of water through the system. These pumping stations ensure that water reaches various tanks and ponds located in different elevations across the districts.
One of the most significant components of the project is the restoration and filling of local water bodies. In total, the scheme is designed to supply water to 1,045 water bodies, which include 32 Public Works Department (PWD) tanks, 42 union tanks, and 971 village ponds. By filling these traditional water storage structures, the project not only preserves existing water resources but also improves groundwater recharge across the region. This approach helps ensure that water remains available in wells and borewells used by farmers and households.
The Athikadavu–Avinashi scheme was implemented using the Design, Build, Operate, and Transfer (DBOT) model. The project was executed by Larsen & Toubro, one of India’s leading engineering and construction companies. Under this model, the company was responsible for designing the system, constructing the infrastructure, and managing operations before eventually transferring it to the government. This approach allowed the project to be completed efficiently using advanced engineering methods and modern water management technology.
The primary objectives of the project are to improve groundwater recharge, support agriculture, and provide drinking water to the population in the affected districts. By improving groundwater levels, the scheme helps farmers maintain irrigation for crops such as coconut, turmeric, sugarcane, and vegetables that are widely cultivated in the region. In addition, the project is expected to provide drinking water benefits to nearly 50 lakh people living in the surrounding areas.
The idea of the Athikadavu–Avinashi scheme is not new. The project was originally proposed more than sixty years ago as a solution to the recurring drought conditions faced by several parts of western Tamil Nadu. However, due to various administrative, financial, and technical challenges, the project remained under discussion for decades before finally being implemented. Construction of the scheme officially began in December 2019 after the government approved the project and allocated the required funds.
After several years of construction and infrastructure development, the project was inaugurated on August 17, 2024, by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. K. Stalin. The commissioning of the project marked a major milestone in the state’s efforts to address water scarcity and strengthen agricultural sustainability. Since its inauguration, the system has become operational, and authorities have continued efforts to ensure that all the targeted water bodies are properly connected to the pipeline network.
The Athikadavu–Avinashi scheme is expected to have long-term environmental and economic benefits. By restoring water bodies and improving groundwater recharge, the project helps maintain ecological balance while supporting farming activities. Increased water availability can also improve crop productivity and rural livelihoods in the region. Furthermore, the scheme plays an important role in providing drinking water to growing urban and rural populations in western Tamil Nadu.
In conclusion, the Athikadavu–Avinashi Groundwater Recharge and Drinking Water Supply Scheme is a landmark water management initiative that addresses one of the most critical challenges faced by the region—water scarcity. Through efficient use of surplus river water, modern infrastructure, and restoration of traditional water bodies, the project aims to secure water resources for agriculture, domestic use, and environmental sustainability. With its large-scale impact across multiple districts, the scheme stands as a significant step toward ensuring long-term water security for the people of western Tamil Nadu.
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