Papanasam dam opend

Speaker R. Avudaiyappan and Tirunelveli Collector G. Prakash at the dam on Thursday. The Speaker, R. Avudaiyappan, released water from Papanasam dam, one of the three major reservoirs of the district, on Thursday for `kar' season paddy cultivation.As much as 200 cusecs of water was released through the conical shutter of the dam after performing `pujas.' This is in addition to the 300 cusecs being discharged for drinking purposes, taking the total to 500 cusecs. The inflow stood at 300 cusecs and the level, 41.40 feet against the full level of 143 feet.

Mr. Avudaiyappan said that the release of water would benefit 1,935 acres under North Kodaimelazhagiyaan, 870 acres under South Kodaimelazhagiyaan and 2,460 acres under Nadhiyunni channels. Farmers in these areas could start preliminary farming operations of `kar' season immediately.The Executive Engineer (Tamirabharani), Public Works Department, Ganesan, said, "As we expect the southwest monsoon to be active in the catchment areas within the next few days, the release of water can be sustained."The Collector, G. Prakash, and the Executive Engineer of Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, Shanmugam, were present.