The district administration has invited applications for free removal of silt and clay from waterbodies in Erode district for agricultural and personal use.A release from Collector S. Kandasamy said special government gazettes had been issued permitting the removal of silt and clay deposited in 411 lakes and ponds under the control of the Water Resources and Rural Development Departments. The total quantity available has been estimated at 1,27,72,883 cubic metres.Applications are now being invited for the removal of 51,82,200 cubic metres of silt and clay from 361 waterbodies. Applicants should obtain permission from the Tahsildar and complete the removal within 30 days. Applications can be submitted through the TN e-Sevai portal.Under the scheme, farmers may remove up to 75 cubic metres per acre for irrigated land and up to 90 cubic metres per acre for dry land. Members of the public may remove up to 30 cubic metres for personal use, while potters may remove up to 60 cubic metres free of cost for occupational purposes.The applicant’s residence or agricultural land should be located within the same taluk where the waterbody is situated. Farmers should submit copies of chitta and adangal records along with their applications. Potters should furnish either a certificate from the cooperative society concerned or a certificate from the Village Administrative Officer. Applicants were advised to contact the respective Tahsildar offices for further details, the release added. Published - May 26, 2026 07:01 pm IST