Water release to Kalingarayan Canal likely from November 20

ERODE Water is likely to be released into the Kalingarayan Canal starting November 20, said S. Palanikumar, president of the Kalingarayan Mathagu Pasana Vivasayigal Sabai No. 4, said on Thursday (November 12).

In a statement, Mr. Palanikumar said the canal was supposed to receive water for 320 days every year, from June 16 to April 30. However, this year, owing to renovation and monsoon failure, water was released for special irrigation for only 15 days, from July 14 to 28.

Despite repeated representations to the Water Resources Department seeking the immediate release of water, citing damage to standing crops due to the shortage, the officials failed to take action. Consequently, he filed a writ petition in the Madras High Court on behalf of the farmers on October 9, seeking a direction to release water. The court directed the district administration and the Water Resources Department to consider the plea and take a decision within two weeks after hearing the views of other stakeholders drawing water from the Bhavanisagar Dam, he said.