Tamil Nadu Seeks Central Approval to Desilt Vaigai Dam to Restore Capacity
The Tamil Nadu government has requested central approval to desilt the Vaigai dam, which supports agriculture and drinking water needs in southern districts like Madurai and Dindigul. Sediment buildup has reduced the reservoir's capacity by 18-20%, with water levels currently at 20 feet of the 71-foot capacity due to weak monsoon. The proposed desilting, potentially spanning nine years, aims to restore storage, allowing farmers to collect alluvial soil free for agriculture under strict monitoring to prevent misuse.