The Sornavur anicut across the Thenpennai River in Villupuram is in very poor condition. Farmers from Villupuram and Puducherry have called for urgent repairs. Though located in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry funds the repairs, while Tamil Nadu manages operations under a bilateral agreement. Built in 1970, the anicut diverts water to the Bangaru channel, supplying 21 irrigation tanks in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, covering over 6,000 acres. A senior Tamil Nadu Water Resources official said the anicut has been damaged since 2021. Repair work started but stopped due to Cyclone Fengal. The cyclone brought floods discharging 2,42,000 cusecs into the anicut, exceeding its design capacity of 1,80,000 cusecs. This caused severe erosion and damage to concrete blocks, launching apron, riverbed, and protective walls. So far, ₹10 crore has been spent on preliminary repairs out of an estimated ₹39 crore. Authorities are debating whether to rebuild upstream or redesign the structure, but final approval and funds from Puducherry are still awaited. V. Chandrasekhar, head of the Bangaru Vaickal Water Users Association, said delays have caused huge water loss. Despite good rains, Bahour tank in Puducherry received no water due to the damaged anicut, and excess water flowed into the sea. He urged Puducherry Government to release funds and speed up repairs to save water and support local irrigation. Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department proposed full renovation, including building new toe walls, downstream apron, and strengthened flood banks to secure the existing ayacut. The fate of the anicut and millions of litres of precious water now depends on quick government action.