Study on Customary Rights and their Relation to Modern Tank Management in Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

"Tank irrigation in southern India is centuries old. The management of these water bodies variedly called as tanks, Ery, Kanmoi and kulam and their local Institutions were largely governed by Customs and Customary rights. The study analyses the relationship of such customs in todays' management that is increasingly interfered through through a mix of many written laws. Case studies covering several tanks is presented. The cases along with analysis of superior court decisions on matters related to tank management provides new insights that calls for a coherence in laws that is manageable and in congruence with the prevailing customs in tank intensive districts of Tamil Nadu."