Water from Gadana Dam on the foothills of the Western Ghats beyond Alwarkurichi in the district was released to enable farmers to take up ‘kar’ paddy cultivation.
After brief prayers, M.G. Kulandaivel, District Revenue Officer, released 125 cusecs of water from the dam on Thursday even as the reservoir had 59 feet of water against its maximum capacity of 85 feet.
Speaking to reporters after releasing the water, Mr. Kulandaivel said water being released from the reservoir would enable the farmers having their ranches at Arasapathu, Vadakuruvapathukal, Alwarkurichi Thenkal, Ambur Perungal, Manjampulikal, Kakkanallurkal and Kangeyankal to take up ‘kar’ paddy cultivation on 3,987.57 acres. Release of 125 cusecs of water would be sustained for 120 days, i.e. till October 1.
“If the dam receives copious influx of water due to active precipitation in the catchment areas during the southwest monsoon, the quantum of water being released from the reservoir will be increased. If the expectation is belied, the available quantity of water will be released on turn basis and the farmers should use the water judiciously,” Mr. Kulandaivel said.
Executive Engineer, Chittar Basin, R. Kaliraj, Assistant Executive Engineers S. Mariappan, N. Gnanasekaran and P. Shankar Raj and farmers’ association representatives were present.
As the southwest monsoon is expected to begin in Kerala within a week and become active before June 15, Ramanadhi (41 feet), Karuppanadhi (44 feet) and Adavinainarkovil (40 feet) dams, all situated near the Western Ghats, are likely to get good inflow in the days to come.
If the expectations are realised, the farmers, who had bumper yield in the last ‘pisanam’ season thanks to the active northeast monsoon, will be once again blessed with a decent yield during the ‘kar’ season too.
