Archive · 9 Aug 2026
TN farmers demand Mettur surplus water for Salem lake revival
Panamarathupatti Lake is a big lake near Salem in Tamil Nadu, India.
It has been almost empty for about twenty years now.
Long ago, it gave drinking water to the cities of Salem and Rasipuram.
The lake covers nearly 2,140 acres and is surrounded by hills on three sides.
Farmers and water lovers want the government to bring extra water from the Mettur system to fill it.
They also want to remove bad invasive trees called Seemai Karuvelam that have taken over the lake.
These trees block the water channels that feed the lake and shrink its storage space.
Work to clear the trees started this year, but it stopped when the contractor's contract ended.
The city corporation that controls the lake is now planning a new contract to restart the work.
If the lake is revived, it could help about ten villages by improving groundwater and farming.
Farmers and water conservation activists in Salem, Tamil Nadu, are demanding restoration of Panamarathupatti Lake.
They seek diversion of surplus Cauvery water from the Mettur system and removal of invasive Seemai Karuvelam trees.
The nearly 2,140-acre lake, once a drinking water source for Salem city and Rasipuram, has lacked substantial water for nearly two decades.
Clearing operations began earlier this year but stopped after the contractor's tender period expired, and a fresh tender is being floated.
Restoration could benefit nearly 10 villages by improving groundwater recharge and agricultural prospects.
- Who
- Farmers and water conservation activists in Salem, along with officials of the Salem City Municipal Corporation
- What
- Demands to restore Panamarathupatti Lake by diverting surplus water from the Mettur system and removing invasive Seemai Karuvelam trees
- When
- Recently, after clearing operations stopped earlier this year when the contractor's tender period expired
- Where
- Panamarathupatti Lake near Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
- Why
- The lake has been without substantial water for nearly two decades, affecting groundwater availability and agriculture in surrounding areas
- Lake area
- Nearly 2,140 acres
- Location
- Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
- Time without substantial water
- Nearly two decades
- Controlling body
- Salem City Municipal Corporation
- Immediate priority
- Removal of Seemai Karuvelam trees
- Water source sought
- Surplus Cauvery water from the Mettur system
- Villages that could benefit
- Nearly 10
- Previous restoration tender
- Started in February; contractor withdrew after contract expiry