Irrigation - Water Resources Department - 18th Canal Scheme - Release of water to the 18th Canal - Rule of Regulation for drawal of water from the Periyar Dam - Issued
The Public Works (P1) Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu issued G.O. (Ms.) No. 38, dated 2 February 2010, directing an annual, conditional release of water from the Periyar Dam to the 18th Canal. It authorises 216.95 Mcft at 279 Cusecs for nine days on or after 1 October, provided the specified combined storage exceeds 6250 Mcft.
The Public Works (P1) Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu issued G.O. (Ms.) No. 38, dated 2 February 2010, to regulate the annual release of water from the Periyar Dam to the 18th Canal. The release is conditional on the combined storage of the Periyar Credit in the Periyar and Vaigai Reservoirs and its tanks exceeding 6250 Mcft.
What it governs
G.O. (Ms.) No. 38 governs the timing, volume and rate of water released to the 18th Canal. It forms part of the regulation for drawing water from the Periyar Dam for the 18th Canal ayacut area.
The Government examined proposals from the Chief Engineer, Madurai Region, the Chief Engineer (Operation and Maintenance), Water Resources Department, and the Advisor to Government (Water Resources) and Chairman, Cauvery Technical Cell. The Advisor referred to an increase in the ayacut to 4614.25 acres.
Who it affects
G.O. (Ms.) No. 38 directly concerns the Water Resources Department officials responsible for operating the Periyar Dam and supplying the 18th Canal. It is also relevant to agricultural land and irrigation users within the 18th Canal ayacut area because the authorised supply is available only when the stated storage condition is met.
The document was circulated to the District Collector, Theni District, the Executive Engineer for the Cumbum Valley Sub Project Division, the Principal Secretary and Commissioner of Land Administration, and other water resources and agriculture officials.
Key provisions
G.O. (Ms.) No. 38 directs that:
- 216.95 Mcft of water shall be released from the Periyar Dam to the 18th Canal.
- Water shall be released at 279 Cusecs.
- The release shall continue for nine days.
- The release may begin on or after 1 October every year.
- The combined storage of the Periyar Credit in the Periyar and Vaigai Reservoirs and its tanks must exceed 6250 Mcft.
Relevance to landholders
G.O. (Ms.) No. 38 deals with irrigation water availability for the 18th Canal ayacut. It does not contain provisions transferring land, changing ownership or altering land classification. Its practical effect for an agricultural landholder depends on whether the land is served by the 18th Canal and whether the annual storage threshold is satisfied.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Is water guaranteed to be released to the 18th Canal every year?
No. The annual release is allowed only when the specified combined storage in the Periyar and Vaigai Reservoirs and the related tanks exceeds 6250 Mcft.
When can the annual release to the 18th Canal begin?
G.O. (Ms.) No. 38 permits the release to begin on or after 1 October every year, subject to the storage condition.
How much water can be released, and for how long?
The authorised release is 216.95 Mcft at 279 Cusecs for nine days.
Does G.O. (Ms.) No. 38 change my land ownership or classification?
No land ownership transfer or land classification change is provided in the document. It regulates irrigation water release from the Periyar Dam to the 18th Canal.
