The district administration would desilt 246 ponds and lakes across the district and the farmers would be allowed to take the vandal (soil) free of cost.

Addressing a meeting, District Collector T.N. Hariharan said around 4,000 farmers would be benefited following the desilting project initiated by the State Government. “Farmers can take 75 cubic metres of soil or 25 tractor loads for one acre of wet land and 90 cubic meters or 30 tractors per acre for dry land,” he said.

Stating that for individual purpose, like houses, one can take 30 cubic meters or 10 tractors of desilt soil, Hariharan said that for those who were indulged in pottery making can take 60 cubic meters or 20 tractors.

“Once the desilting process is completed the ponds and lake will have adequate storage for rain water to recharge of underground water, which will help to solve the drinking water problem,” Hariharan said.