The district administration has asked farmers and pottery makers in the district to apply through e-Sevai centres to excavate and transport silt, clay and ordinary earth free of cost for agricultural and pottery purposes.In a release, Collector R. Elambahavath has said the State government permits the removal of silt, clay and ordinary earth deposited in lakes, reservoirs and canals under the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to improve agricultural lands and support pottery work.He said 305 waterbodies in the district had been identified as eligible sources for excavation of silt and clay, and a special notification had been published in the district gazette. As per government orders, farmers will be permitted once every two years to remove 75 cubic metres, equivalent to 25 tractor loads, per acre for wetland cultivation and 90 cubic metres, equivalent to 30 tractor loads, per acre for dry land cultivation. Potters will be permitted to remove 60 cubic metres, equivalent to 20 tractor loads, free of cost, subject to certain conditions and for a maximum period of 30 days.Applicants should submit the required documents through nearby e-Sevai centres. Applications received online would be scrutinised by the Tahsildar concerned.For agricultural purposes, details furnished by applicants would be verified using online revenue records. Applications from potters would be forwarded to the Village Administrative Officer for verification of residence and occupation details. The verification process would be completed within seven days on a first-come, first-served basis and forwarded to the Tahsildar with recommendations.If the details furnished by the applicant were found satisfactory, permission would be granted within 10 days from the date of receipt of the application. Beneficiaries should remove only the permitted quantity from the demarcated area and within the specified depth at their own expense after obtaining orders from the Tahsildar, the release added. Published - May 28, 2026 05:52 pm IST