Tamil Nadu Govt Allows Free Silt Removal From 40,000 Water Bodies

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting to accelerate the desilting of tanks and ponds across the state ahead of the northeast monsoon , with the government deciding to allow farmers and pottery workers to remove silt free of cost .

According to an official release from the Secretariat, nearly 40,000 water bodies under the control of the Water Resources, Rural Development, and Panchayat Raj departments have been identified for the initiative during 2026-27 .

The move is aimed at increasing the storage capacity of lakes, tanks, and ponds before the rainy season while also helping farmers access nutrient-rich soil for agricultural use. Pottery workers and households will also be permitted to collect silt without paying any fee or royalty charges.

Under the scheme, interested farmers, pottery workers, and individuals can apply online through the TN eSevai Portal seeking permission to remove a specified quantity of silt from designated water bodies.

After receiving the application, the respective taluk office will verify the request and issue approval within ten days . Once permission is granted, applicants can remove silt under the supervision of officials from the concerned departments to ensure that the excavation follows prescribed environmental and safety norms.

District Collectors have been directed to oversee the implementation of the programme and publish district-wise lists of eligible tanks and ponds in the district gazette. Officials will also monitor the desilting process in accordance with existing rules and guidelines.

The government believes the initiative will serve a dual purpose rejuvenating water bodies before the monsoon and supporting agriculture by improving soil fertility . Desilting also helps improve groundwater recharge and reduces the risk of overflow and flooding during heavy rains.

Officials have been instructed to actively encourage farmers and pottery workers to utilise the scheme, especially in drought-prone and irrigation-dependent regions of the state.