Water released from Bhavanisagar Dam into LBP canal for first crop season
Minister for Housing, Prohibition and Excise S. Muthusamy and Minister for Information and Publicity M.P. Saminathan opened the dam shutters to release the water at 6.50 p.m., in the presence of Collector S. Kandasamy, MLAs A.G. Venkatachalam (Anthiyur), C. Saraswathi (Modakkurichi), and V.C. Chandhirakumar (Erode East), Mayor S. Nagarathinam, officials from the Water Resources Department, and representatives of farmers' associations.
Addressing the media, Mr. Muthusamy said water would be released for 15 days, from Thursday until August 14, for special wetting of crops. The regular release for irrigation will commence on August 15 and continue for 120 days. He noted that water is usually released on August 15 each year, but this year, due to the discharge of surplus water into the Bhavani River, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin directed early release to ensure it is used productively for agriculture.
Of the total 124-mile length of the LBP canal, renovation work has been completed for 74 miles, and the remaining work in 50 mile is expected to be completed within four days, the Minister added.
Responding to a question on whether surplus water from the dam would be diverted to fill water bodies, Mr. Muthusamy said the quantum of surplus water released each year needs to be studied and appropriate steps would be taken based on the findings.
When asked whether water could be stored at the Orathupalayam Dam, Mr. Saminathan said the Madras High Court had issued orders restricting water storage at the dam. 'However, as the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level has dropped significantly, a technical team from Anna University is currently conducting a study. The report will be submitted in a month, after which the court will be approached to consider lifting the restriction,' he said.
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