Water Release from Grand Anicut Enthuses Delta Districts Ryots
Initially, 1,000 cusecs each are released into Cauvery and Vennar systems and 500 cusecs each in Grand Anicut and Kollidam systems. Discharge will be stepped up later
THANJAVUR: Water was released from Grand Anicut for Samba cultivation in Cauvery delta districts on Sunday.
Ministers R.Vinoth (agriculture) and A.M.Shahjahan, (minorities welfare) switched on the electric shutters in Cauvery, Vennar. Grand Anicut canal and Kollidam systems. Water gushed out of the sluices much to the delight of farmers and onlookers gathered at the anicut for the function.
Initially, 1,000 cusecs each are released into Cauvery and Vennar systems and 500 cusecs each in Grand Anicut and Kollidam systems. Discharge will be stepped up later.
Mr Vinoth said that he offered worship to Karikal Cholan who built the Grand Anicut and released water for cultivation.
Chief Minister C.Joseph Vijay released water from Mettur dam on September 1. Water reached Grand Anicut on Saturday and was released on Sunday. He appealed to farmers to use water judiciously and take up Samba cultivation. Drinking water needs also will be met by the release of water, he said.
Farmers appealed to the Government not to introduce a turn system and supply water continuously. They also demanded to issue procurement orders for Kuruvai paddy, harvest of which has begun in delta districts in pumpset-irrigated areas.
Earlier, pujas were performed to Lord Anjaneya and Lord Ganesha in the anicut. Garlands were offered to statues of Karaikal Cholana and Sir Arthur Cotton in the anicut.
MLAs Vijay Saravanan, (Thanjavur), Kamaraj (Mannargudi) and Subramanian (Kantharvakottai), District collectors R.Revathi, (Thanjavur), Pradik Dayal (Tiruchy), H.S.Srikanth, (Mayiladuthurai), M.Aruna (Pudukottai). Mohanachandran (Tiruvarur) and K.J.Praveen Kumar (Nagapattinam), PWD engineers and agriculture department officials participated in the function.