Tank Irrigation & Water Resource Management in Tamil Nadu

Despite having 41,123 lakes in Tamil Nadu, due to encroachments and lack of maintenance, the irrigated area has decreased from 9.1 lakh hectares to 3.96 lakh hectares.

During periods when the Southwest Monsoon decreases due to El Nino climate change, it is essential to store and conserve the water resources from the Northeast Monsoon in lakes for Tamil Nadu.

📚 School Textbook Link: 10th Standard / 11th Standard · Geography / Economics · 10th Social: Human Geography of Tamil Nadu / 11th Economics: Economy of Tamil Nadu · Irrigation and Lake Irrigation System in Tamil Nadu

🎯 TNPSC Exam Important Notes:

• Tamil Nadu's average annual rainfall: 965 mm (480 mm from Northeast Monsoon, 340 mm from Southwest Monsoon).
• Number of lakes in Tamil Nadu: According to government statistics, approximately 41,123 lakes (total capacity 347 TMC).
• Primary irrigation method: In Tamil Nadu, well irrigation ranks first, canal irrigation second, and tank irrigation third.
• Kudimaramathu: A historically significant scheme in Tamil Nadu for desilting water bodies with the collective participation of the public.
• Tamil Nadu Farmers Management of Irrigation Systems Act 2000: A law that empowers farmers to manage irrigation infrastructure.

📌 KEY FOR TNPSC:

• In Tamil Nadu, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Villupuram districts benefit most from tank irrigation.
• El Nino is a global climate phenomenon caused by the warming of the Pacific Ocean, affecting Indian monsoons.