Collector Ranjeet Singh and public representatives releasing water from Vaigai dam on Wednesday.
Water from Vaigai dam was released on Wednesday to the 58 canal scheme areas in Dindigul and Madurai districts for irrigation purposes.
Theni Collector Ranjeet Singh, Theni MP Thanga Tamil Selvan, Usilampatti MLA P. Ayyappan released water from the dam in the presence of the Public Works Department officials. The water would fill over 30 irrigation tanks in Usilampatti taluk of Madurai district and Nilakottai taluk of Dindigul district.
As per a government order, 300 mcft of water would be released at a rate of 150 cusecs per day, depending on the dam’s storage and water flow.
A total of 2,285 acres of agricultural land in the two districts: 1,912 acres in Usilampatti and 373 acres in Nilakottai would receive the water for irrigation purposes. Water needs of farms, livestock and drinking purposes will be fulfilled.
The authorities urged the farmers of Madurai and Dindigul districts to use the water judiciously with proper water management and get high yields.
Water from the dam is usually released when the level touches 69 feet (the maximum level is 71 ft.). The farmers of Usilampatti and Nilakottai had urged the authorities to release the water from the dam to the 58 canal scheme irrigation areas. Accordingly, water was released from the dam. The water release will also help replenish groundwater.
On October 27, water from Vaigai dam was released for the ayacut areas of Madurai, Ramanathapuram, and Sivaganga districts. A total of 1,824 mcft of water was released for irrigation purposes. The water will be released till November 13.
The water release will benefit around 1,36,109 acres of agricultural land in the three districts. The Water Resources Department officials have cautioned the people living near the river banks in the five districts of Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Sivaganga, and Ramanathapuram to stay safe and be alert.
Published – October 29, 2025 08:54 pm IST
