Sat Apr 05 17:34:56 UTC 2025: ## Kuppanatham Dam Opens Sluice Gates, Irrigating Thousands of Acres in Tiruvannamalai
**Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, April 5, 2025** – The Kuppanatham dam in Tiruvannamalai district released water on Saturday, providing much-needed irrigation to over 9,808 acres of paddy fields. The sluice gates were opened by Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker, K. Pitchandi, in the presence of Tiruvannamalai Collector K. Tharpagaraj and MP C.N. Annadurai.
The release, requested by local farmers, will continue for 28 days, supplying an average of 2402 cusecs of water through left and right bank canals. This water is crucial for maintaining stable water levels in farm wells and borewells during the summer months, according to S. Hariharan, Assistant Engineer (WRD, Chengam). The initiative coincides with the start of the paddy sowing season.
While water from the nearby Sathanur dam will irrigate over 45,000 acres, the Kuppanatham dam, with a capacity of 700 mcft, will benefit farmers in 40 villages across Chengam and Kalasapakkam taluks. Excess water will also replenish 47 irrigation tanks, recharging the water table around villages near the Jawadhu Hills. Farmers have been urged to use the water judiciously, considering its importance for drinking water supplies as well.
First Piper 