A gazette notification has been issued to allow farmers to scoop out top soil and clay free of cost from 403 identified irrigation tanks belonging to the Water Resources and Rural Development Departments in Virudhunagar district.In a statement, Collector N. O. Sukhaputra said that local farmers and potters could take top soil and clay free of cost. Members of the public could also take them for other domestic usage.Eligible beneficiaries can apply seeking permission through tnesevaitngov.in The residence or farm land of the applicants and the identified irrigation tank for desiltation should be located within the jurisdiction of the same revenue taluk.Those who want to get the soil for agricultural purpose should own farm land. The genuinity of the potters applying for the same would be verified by the village administrative officers before permission is granted for desilting.The permission for development of farm lands by filling them with top soil, clay is allowed only once in two years, the statement said.While 75 cubic metres of soil could be taken for one acre of wetland, 90 cubic metres of soil could be taken for one acre of dryland.While potters can take 60 cubic metres and for other domestic usage 30 cubic metres can be taken.Tahsildars would give permission for desilting within 10 days of submission of applications, provided they meet all rules and regulations.After getting permission, the applicants should approach the official in-charge of the respective water bodies and scoop out top soil and clay at the designated spots, the statement said. Published - May 26, 2026 07:56 pm IST