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Vaiko to protest hunger strike demanding urgent repairs to Shenbagavalli Dam
MDMK general secretary Vaiko announced a hunger strike on June 5, 2026, demanding urgent repairs to the Shenbagavalli Dam and its canals in Kerala. He cites cracks dating back to 1935 and partial repairs in 1955, urging cross-state talks and the removal of wild boars from protected lists. The push highlights inter-state water supply concerns affecting irrigation and drinking water for communities in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Why It Matters
The Shenbagavalli Dam provides drinking water and irrigation for multiple districts across Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The planned protest underscores cross-border water resource management and the need for timely infrastructure repairs that affect farmers and communities.
Timeline
3 Events
Vaiko announces hunger strike over Shenbagavalli Dam repairs (protest planned for June 5, 2026)
May 15, 2026
MDMK general secretary Vaiko announced that he would go on a hunger strike on June 5, 2026, demanding repairs to the Shenbagavalli Dam and its main canals in Kerala. He urged cross-state discussions between Tamil Nadu and Kerala to repair the dam and called for the removal of wild boars from the list of wild animals. The protest will take place at Vasudeva Nallur in the Tenkasi district.
Partial repair of Shenbagavalli Dam cracks
1955
Cracks in the dam were partially repaired in 1955, but the main canals were not fully restored.
Cracks appeared in Shenbagavalli Dam
1935
Cracks appeared in the Shenbagavalli Dam around 1935, indicating structural issues with the dam built across the Shenbagavalli river.