Kerala's Largest Dam in Decades Ready by February 15

Farmers across Kerala have something big to celebrate this February. The state is commissioning the Pattissery dam in Idukki district by February 15, marking the largest dam project Kerala has brought online in recent memory.

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar announced the milestone during his policy address to the State Legislative Assembly on Tuesday. The dam represents a major step forward in water security for the region, utilizing water rights Kerala secured under the Cauvery Inter-State River Water Dispute settlement.

But Pattissery is just the beginning. Two more significant irrigation projects are joining the lineup in 2025 and 2026, creating a trio of new water resources for communities that need them most.

The Banasura Sagar main canal is scheduled for completion by May 2026. The Karapuzha project will follow in December this year, expanding the irrigation network across multiple districts.

The state government is thinking beyond just irrigation. Officials plan to tap into the tourism potential of these new water projects, transforming infrastructure into destinations that can boost local economies.

Digital governance upgrades are coming to the Kerala Water Authority too. The modernization effort aims to make water management more efficient and responsive to community needs.

The Ripple Effect

These three projects represent more than concrete and water flow. They're opening doors for Kerala's farmers and young people looking for opportunity.

The government has already started rolling out the K.M. Mani Community Micro-Irrigation Scheme. What started as support for regular crops is expanding to cover all cash crops, creating new income streams for young farmers willing to innovate.

Water security touches everything. Better irrigation means more reliable harvests, which means stable food prices and stronger rural economies. The projects give farmers confidence to invest in their land and try new crops.

The timing matters too. As Kerala works on developing a comprehensive state water policy in response to the National Water Policy, these completed projects provide real-world testing grounds for what works.

February 15 isn't just a commission date. It's the day thousands of families gain access to water resources that can transform how they farm, live, and plan for the future.