Vaiko to protest demanding urgent repairs to Shenbagavalli Dam

MDMK general secretary Vaiko announced that he will go on hunger strike on June 5, 2026, demanding repair of the damage caused to the Shenbagavalli Dam and its main canals in Kerala.

Noting that water stored in a dam built in 1773 AD along the Shenbagavalli river originating in the Western Ghats has benefited farmers in both Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Mr. Vaiko on Friday (May 15) called for repairing the cracks that appeared in the dam around 1935 and rebuilding the punctured section of the main canal.

Highlighting that the water from the Shenbagavalli river serves as a source for drinking water and irrigation in Sivagiri, Sankarankovil, and Rajapalayam, he noted that although the cracks in the dam were partially repaired in 1955, the main canals were never fully restored.

Mr. Vaiko stated that during the tenure of Chief Minister MG Ramachandran, the issue was brought to the notice of the Kerala government, which agreed to the repairs. Despite the Tamil Nadu government allocating the necessary funds, the work could not start for a long time. Expressing his concern, Mr. Vaiko stated that he met with the Chief Ministers of Kerala many times to express this demand, but no action has been taken yet.

As a result, farmers in Sivagiri and Sankarankovil districts are facing difficulties due to lack of irrigation water. Therefore, urging the Tamil Nadu government to hold talks with the Kerala government to repair the Shenbagavalli Dam, as well as demanding the removal of wild boars — which destroy crops — from the list of wild animals, he has announced a fasting protest with farmers on June 5 at Vasudeva Nallur in Tenkasi district.