Tirunelveli and Tenkasi district administrations have approved the removal of clay and silt (alluvial soil) from designated waterbodies under the Water Resource Department (WRD) and Rural Development Department in the districts.
The clay and silt must be collected only from the permitted waterbodies within respective districts. Local farmers and potters are allowed to take silt and clay free of cost.
Eligible beneficiaries are required to apply through the website www.tnesavi.tn.gov.in, with necessary land and identity documents.
According to a press statement from Tirunelveli district administration 784 waterbodies have been identified across the following divisions: Chittar basin (Courtallam), Tamirabarani basin (Tirunelveli), Kodhayar basin (Nagercoil) and those under the Rural Development Department.
In Tenkasi district clay and silt can be removed from permitted waterbodies in Chittar basin division, Melavaippar basin and waterbodies under the Rural Development department, covering a total of 410 water bodies.
For agricultural land enrichment, farmers can avail of this benefit once every two years based on their land type: Maximum of 75 cubic metres per acre for wetlands (nanjai), maximum of 90 cubic metres per acre for drylands (punjai) and for traditional artisans engaged in pottery making, the permissible limit has been capped at maximum of 60 cubic metres.
Published – May 24, 2026 09:19 pm IST
