The Water Resources Department has completed desilting operations for the Mordhana Dam canals to ensure smooth water flow for irrigation through September 1. This follows political concerns regarding water distribution to tail-end farmlands.

  • Current water level in Mordhana Dam is 235.03 mcft out of 261.3 mcft capacity.
  • A total of 174.96 mcft of water will be released over nine days.
  • Daily average release is set at 225 cusecs through left and right canals.
  • The release aims to recharge groundwater and support 2,500 acres of farmland.

The Water Resources Department (WRD) has officially stated that the maintenance of the left and right main canals of the Mordhana Dam near Gudiyatham has been completed. This desilting process was prioritized before the scheduled release of water, which is intended to last until September 1 to support local irrigation needs.

The clarification from WRD officials comes in response to statements made by Vellore MP D.M. Kathir Anand, who had expressed concerns that incomplete desilting of feeder channels could impede water flow to tail-end agricultural areas. However, S. Kalipriyan, Assistant Engineer (AE) of the WRD, maintained that a dedicated 20-member team had carried out periodic maintenance to ensure seamless distribution.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the efficiency of canal networks is critical in regions where agriculture is heavily reliant on seasonal water releases. Effective desilting prevents sedimentation, which otherwise reduces the carrying capacity of canals and leads to inequitable water distribution among farmers.

Timely desilting is the backbone of efficient irrigation management, ensuring that even the most distant farms receive adequate moisture.

Vellore Collector P.S. Leena Alex participated in the water release ceremony, emphasizing that the discharge is designed not just for crops but also to recharge groundwater levels in areas up to 10 km downstream. The dam, situated across the Koundinya River (a tributary of the Palar), currently holds 235.03 mcft of water.

Historical Background

The Mordhana Dam infrastructure has seen significant upgrades recently. Under the 'Rehabilitation and Restoration of Lakes scheme 2024-25', the left canal—which spans 31.84 km and serves 19 villages—underwent extensive cleaning in July 2025. Silt was removed to a depth of three meters to restore its original flow capacity, covering approximately 1,710.92 hectares of farmland.

Did You Know?: The water released from this dam supports nine different tanks across the Gudiyatham and Katpadi taluks.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which crops will benefit from the Mordhana Dam water release?
Answer: The release is specifically timed to support the cultivation of paddy, groundnuts, and banana crops.

2. How much total water is expected to be released?
Answer: Approximately 174.96 mcft of water will be released over the nine-day period.