Periya Eri tank nears full capacity after two days of monsoon rain

Steady north-east monsoon showers over the weekend have lifted the water level in the Periya Eri tank on the eastern edge of Rasipuram to nearly 85 per cent of its capacity, the highest in three years. Farmers in the command area welcomed the inflow, saying it would secure water for the samba paddy crop and recharge borewells in nearby wards. Several farmers have already begun preparing nurseries for transplanting. Public works staff are monitoring the bund and the surplus weir round the clock. Residents have been advised not to bathe or wash cattle in the surplus channel while the flow is strong, and to keep children away from the tank's edge. The town recorded 46 mm of rain on Saturday night and 31 mm on Sunday. More showers are expected over the coming week.