Tank Irrigation in South India: A Case Study of Kolavoy Tank
Summary
The article examines tank irrigation in South India through a case study of Kolavoy Tank near Chennai, highlighting historical, colonial, and post-independence developments. It traces the origins of tank systems to the 4th-5th centuries AD, emphasizing their community-based maintenance under pre-colonial systems like the *mirasi* tenure in Tamil Nadu. Colonial rule disrupted these structures, replacing local governance with revenue-focused policies, leading to tank neglect. Post-independence efforts prioritized large-scale reservoir projects, with Tamil Nadu allocating only 25% of irrigation funds to minor systems like tanks. The study notes declining tank functionality due to urbanization, encroachment, and pollution, exemplified by Chennai’s disappearing water bodies and Kolavoy Tank’s reduced ayacut (irrigated area) from 254 hectares to 145 due to housing and infrastructure projects. Environmental concerns, including sewage discharge into tanks and unchecked urban expansion, underscore broader ecological degradation. The analysis calls for preserving traditional water systems amid rapid development.
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Conclusion
The study of Kolavoy Tank in Tamil Nadu reveals the severe consequences of environmental neglect and urbanization on traditional water management systems. The tank's reduced ayacut due to housing encroachments, bypass roads, and sewage discharge highlights the clash between development and sustainable practices. This decline mirrors broader regional trends of water scarcity, rapid urbanization, and ecological degradation, underscoring the urgent need for integrated water resource management. The historical context of tank maintenance under the mirasi system contrasts sharply with modern governance failures, emphasizing the importance of community-led conservation. Addressing these challenges requires policy reforms, public awareness, and the preservation of traditional water bodies to ensure long-term water security and cultural heritage conservation.