Tamil NaduWednesday, 19 August 2026·Hindu Tamil Thisai
TN Assembly debate on 70-year-old Nandan Canal project highlights irrigation and water management issues
In August 2026, the Tamil Nadu Assembly saw a sharp DMK-AIADMK debate on the long-pending Nandan Canal project, first proposed in 1952.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In August 2026, during the Tamil Nadu Assembly debate on the Public Works and Human Resources Development departments, the long-pending Nandan Canal project, first proposed in 1952, triggered a sharp DMK-AIADMK exchange over irrigation, desilting and funding.
Key specifics
- The Nandan Canal project was first proposed in 1952 by Vikkiravandi MLA Govindasamy.
- The Assembly debate took place in August 2026 during the Public Works and Human Resources Development discussion.
- DMK member E.V. Velu said the project would use surplus water from Sathanur.
- He said the plan involved filling about 11 lakes in Tiruvannamalai district.
- AIADMK member C.V. Shanmugam said desilting was funded and carried out about 8 years earlier.
Exam lens
Question type: Tamil Nadu legislature and irrigation projects, chronology-based MCQ. Key facts: 1952 proposal, Sathanur surplus water, 11 lakes in Tiruvannamalai, Vikkiravandi, Assembly debate in August 2026. TNPSC one-liner: Which long-pending canal project was debated in the Tamil Nadu Assembly and linked to Sathanur surplus water?