Water availability in the Gunderipallam Dam has raised hope among farmers for a fifth cycle of water release.
After the water level reached 105.17 million cubic feet during March because of summer rain, the Public Works Department started releasing water for irrigation of 2,498 acres in Kongarpalayam, Vaniputhur, Kavundampalayam, Panchathurayampalayam, and Arasankottai.
During April, rainfall in Kundri hills caused the dam to overflow.
According to PWD sources, water in excess of the planned extent was released in four cycles until the first week of this month.
In the final stage water was released from May 22 to June 4, the sources said.
The reservoir has two canal systems on either sides.
About 879 acres of ayacut area are wetted by the canal to the dam's right, and 1,619 acres get water from the left canal, sources said.