HC moved for release of water from Pilavakal, Kovilaru dams

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court today ordered a notice to Tamil Nadu PWD officials on a petition seeking release of water from Pilavakal and Kovilaru dams in Viurdhunagar district for irrigation in Watrap area.
Justice M.Venugopal ordered the notice to the officials, including the PWD Secretary and the Chief Engineer, and posted the case for hearing to November 25.
Petitioner V.Chellasamy, a retired Tehsildhar, submitted that both the dams had reached their maximum levels of 48 feet and 42 ft respectively.
The dams fed water to 30 tanks in and around Watrap village and more than 30,000 acres were cultivated by the water from those tanks.

This year due to good rains the dams were full and most of the farmers had raised paddy crop in their fields. They had submitted a representation to the PWD officials and Virudhunagar District Collector for the release of water.
But no action had been taken so far. Hence, the court should intervene and order for the release of the water to save the crops, he said.