Water from Manimuthar Dam was released for ‘kar’ paddy cultivation to be taken up on over 2,000 acres in six villages near the reservoir on Wednesday.
Collector M. Karunakaran released water from the dam in the presence of Tirunelveli MP K.R.P. Prabhakaran and Ambasamudram MLA R. Murugaiah Pandian.
Dr. Karunakaran said the water being released from Manimuthar dam would enable the farmers of Zamin Singampatti, Ayan Singampatti, Vairaavikulam, South Paapaankulam, Moolachikulam and South Kallidaikurichi to go in for ‘kar’ paddy cultivation on 2,756.62 acres. The quantity of water discharged from the reservoir would be maintained between 45 cusecs and 75 cusecs for 105 days (till September 13) based on the inflow of water into the dam.
“Since the dam now has water for about 75 feet against its maximum capacity of 118 feet and the influx of water stands at just 33 cusecs, farmers should use the water judiciously for farming operations,” Dr. Karunakaran appealed.
Sub-Collector, Cheranmahadevi, V. Vishnu, Joint Director of Agriculture P.S. Karunakaran, Executive Engineer of PWD (Water Resources Organisation) Subramanian, Ambasamudram Tahsildar Irudhayaraj and other senior officials were present

Source : The Hindu