Water was released from Valasakalpatti lake in Veppanthattai village in Gangavalli taluk on Thursday to benefit 548 acres of farm lands.
Collector S. Karmegam said that water would be released for 45 days to benefit farm lands in Valasakalpatti, Veppanthattai, and Gangavalli villages and farmers are requested to use the water judiciously. The lake is maintained by the Water Resources Department and receives water from Pachamalai. Farmers usually cultivate paddy, banana, sugarcane, turmeric and betel leaves while the water also serves the coconut trees in these villages. Further, it helps recharge of ground water in Gangavalli areas solving the drinking water needs of the people.
During last year’s rain, the lake reached its maximum storage level of 61 million cubic feet. Since farmers placed requests for release of water, water was released, he added.