Trichy Canal Weeds Cleared Before Mettur Dam Opens

The Water Resources Department (WRD) has initiated deweeding operations on the Uyyakondan irrigation canal in Trichy, a significant Chola-era waterway. This crucial work, funded with a Rs 9.7 lakh sanction from the state government, targets a 2 km stretch within city limits that has been obstructed by aquatic weeds.

According to officials, the deweeding efforts, which began in Varaganeri following directives from district collector Pratik Tayal, are paramount. Farmers had previously expressed concerns about weed overgrowth impeding irrigation for 32,742 acres of farmland, including areas in the Thanjavur district. Recent complaints from Trichy corporation councillors regarding a rise in mosquito issues attributed to the canal's weeds further expedited the deweeding.

The Uyyakondan canal, a distributary of the Cauvery River, spans approximately 70 km and plays a vital role in replenishing 36 WRD tanks across Trichy and Thanjavur districts. The WRD aims to complete the deweeding before the Mettur dam releases fresh Cauvery water for the upcoming irrigation season, ensuring a clear flow.