Tamil Nadu launches Rs 135 crore farmer aid package and seeks central approval to desilt Vaigai dam

Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced a special Kuruvai cultivation package worth about Rs 135 crore to support paddy growers in Tamil Nadu's delta districts after the Mettur Dam could not be opened on schedule due to low water levels. The aid includes Rs 77.5 crore for the delta region, Rs 57.33 crore for non‑delta districts, uninterrupted three‑phase power for irrigation, and stocks of paddy seed and fertilizer sufficient for the shortened cropping season.

In a related move, the Tamil Nadu government has asked the central government for environmental clearance to desilt the Vaigai dam, whose storage capacity has fallen by an estimated 18‑20 % because of sediment buildup. Officials say the project could span up to nine years and aim to restore water supply for agriculture and drinking needs across southern districts such as Madurai and Dindigul.