BHAVANI

The Bhavani constituency in Tamil Nadu, represented by K.C. Karuppanan of AIADMK since his 2021 election victory (50.10% of votes), has experienced significant infrastructure development alongside persistent environmental and civic challenges over the past five years. Major achievements include the commissioning of the long-awaited Athikadavu-Avinashi Project in August 2024 after 67 years, which will irrigate 24,468 acres and recharge 1,045 water bodies. Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation for the Rs. 933.10 crore Lower Bhavani Project renovation, while the Jal Jeevan Scheme provided drinking water to over 7.15 lakh rural households at a cost of Rs. 2,123 crore. The constituency also benefited from state-level initiatives including over 3.30 lakh houses constructed under the PM Housing Scheme and the Naan Mudhalvan skill development program. However, serious environmental and infrastructure issues have marred these achievements. The Bhavani River continues to suffer from severe pollution due to untreated sewage and industrial effluents, threatening both agriculture and drinking water supplies for multiple districts. Recurring flooding during monsoons exposed incomplete drainage infrastructure, with many flood mitigation projects remaining unfinished. Residents in several areas report irregular piped water supply despite years of tax collection, and inadequate sanitation continues as untreated sewage flows into local water bodies. The demand for declaring the Lower Bhavani Project ayacut area as a Special Farming Zone remains unresolved, causing ongoing tensions among farmers. While MLA Karuppanan has maintained a personally clean record with no criminal cases against him, the broader AIADMK party faced corruption investigations against several former ministers during this period, indirectly affecting the party's credibility. Local protests have emerged over broken election promises, particularly regarding storm water drains, flood mitigation infrastructure, and pollution control measures that remain partially implemented or abandoned. Political realignment was notable, with several AIADMK members including O. Panneerselvam switching to DMK between 2022 and early 2026. As the April 23, 2026 assembly elections approach, voters should weigh the significant water infrastructure projects delivered against the persistent civic issues, environmental degradation, and incomplete promises that continue to affect daily life in the constituency.