Water released from dams for ‘kar’ paddy cultivation

 

 

FAST AND FURIOUS:Water being released from Papanasam dam on Thursday.

Even as the reservoirs in the district have started receiving significant influx of water following the onset of southwest monsoon, Collector M. Karunakaran released water from Papanasam dam on Thursday for ‘kar’ paddy cultivation.

Speaking to reporters after releasing water, Dr. Karunakaran said the discharge of water from Papanasam, Manimuthar and Servalar dams would be sustained up to October 31. The release of water from the dams in North Kodaimelazhagiyan, South Kodaimelazhagiyan, Nadhiyunni, Kannadiyan, Kodagan and Palayam Channels would benefit the crop to be planted on 20,595 acres.

“The State government has ordered release of 600 cusecs of water from the dams and the quantum of discharge will be increased if the influx increases due to active monsoon. The water release will benefit the farmers of Ambasamudram, Nanguneri, Tirunelveli and Palayamkottai taluks,” Dr. Karunakaran said.

He appealed to the farmers to follow System of Rice Intensification method to get the maximum yield by using minimum quantity of water.

Cheranmahadevi Sub-Collector V. Vishnu, PWD Superintending Engineer Abdul Hameed, Joint Director of Agriculture P.S. Karunakaran and Ambasamudram Tahsildar Irudhayaraj were present.

Rainfall

With 99 mm rainfall in the catchment areas on Thursday, Papanasam dam received an inflow of 6,248 cusecs, and water level rose from 67 feet to 76 feet.

The level in Servalar dam rose from 84 feet to 103.80 feet after the catchment areas recorded a rainfall of 24 mm.

Meanwhile, the tourists visiting Courtallam were allowed to take bath in all the waterfalls on Thursday.

While the areas close to the Western Ghats received significant rainfall, taluks like Radhapuram, Nanguneri, Tirunelveli and Palayamkottai experienced mild drizzle.

Rainfall recorded at various places in the district was (in mm): Papanasam dam 99, Adavinainar dam 51, Manimuthar dam 34, Shencottai 31, Aayikudi 30.50, Gadana dam 25, Servalar dam 24, Tenkasi 23.90, Kodumudiyar dam 17, Ramanadhi dam 16, Karuppanadhi dam 12, Ambasamudram 8.90, Nanguneri 8, Sankarankovil 7, Cheranmahadevi 4.40, Radhapuram 4.20, Tirunelveli 4 and Palayamkottai 1.

Source : The Hindu