Farmers from Tiruvannamalai, Kallakuruchi, and Villupuram districts requested the release of water from the Sathanur Dam on January 14, just before the Pongal festival. The release will help them start paddy cultivation early for the 2026 season. The request came during a meeting chaired by Collector K. Tharpagaraj. Farmers explained that early water release is important to harvest before the harsh summer arrives. B. Vembu, a farmer, said, “Apart from being an auspicious occasion (Pongal festival), early release of water will also help us to harvest before harsh weather sets in during April - May. Also, the region has witnessed deficit rainfall during this monsoon. As a result, release of water will help farmers in these districts.” About 80 farmers attended the meeting along with officials from the Water Resources Department (WRD), Public Works Department (PWD), Agriculture, revenue, and police departments. K. Santhosh, Assistant Engineer at WRD, said, “According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) predictions, the region could witness rains on January 10-11. If that happens, release of water would be post-Pongal festival as sufficient water will be available for farmers to begin cultivation due to rains.” Currently, the Sathanur Dam holds water at full capacity of 119 feet, storing 7,321 million cubic feet (mcft) of water. Of this, 35 mcft is reserved for drinking water, and 1,200 mcft will irrigate 5,000 acres in the Thirukovilur river basin of Kallakuruchi and Villupuram districts. The rest will support irrigation of around 45,000 acres in Tiruvannamalai district. Public Works Minister E.V. Velu will officially open the sluice gates in the presence of Collector K. Tharpagaraj. Water release will last 110 days, with an average release of 520 cusecs daily through left and right bank canals from the pick-up dam. The dam stores about 4 tmc of water yearly for irrigation and supports 88 tanks along its canals in these districts. Water from the Left Bank Canal feeds 30 tanks in Tiruvannamalai and 10 in Villupuram, while the Right Bank Canal supplies 48 tanks in Villupuram.