Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Sunday released water from the historic Grand Anicut (Kallanai) for irrigation across the Cauvery delta region, aiming to benefit over 13 lakh acres of agricultural land. The move marks a crucial step toward supporting Kuruvai and Samba cultivation in the fertile delta districts.The water released from Mettur Dam on June 12 had reached Upper Anicut in Tiruchy on Saturday and flowed into the Grand Anicut on Sunday. CM Stalin, who is on a two-day visit to Thanjavur, presided over the ceremonial release of water into key irrigation channels—1,500 cusecs each into the Cauvery and Vennar rivers, 500 cusecs into the Grand Anicut Canal, and 400 cusecs into the Kollidam. Officials confirmed that the water discharge will be increased progressively in the coming days.
Ahead of the release, the government undertook an extensive desilting programme covering over 5,000 kilometers of irrigation channels at a cost of ₹98 crore. During the event, the Chief Minister instructed authorities to ensure water supply reaches even the tail-end areas of the delta, thereby maximizing cultivation potential. Stalin also received petitions from farmers and members of the public who had gathered to welcome him. Ministers KN Nehru, S Regupathy, SS Sivasankar, Govi Chezhian, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, Siva V Meyyanathan, and other local representatives and officials were present