The Salem district administration in Tamil Nadu has announced that farmers and potters can now apply online through e-Sevai centres to excavate and transport silt, clay, and ordinary earth free of cost for agricultural and pottery purposes.According to District Collector R.

Elambahavath, the initiative follows State government Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that permit the removal of deposited silt and soil from water bodies such as lakes, reservoirs, and canals.This is aimed at improving agricultural productivity and supporting traditional pottery work.

The district has identified 305 waterbodies as approved sources for silt and clay extraction, and a special notification has already been published in the district gazette.Under the guidelines, farmers are allowed to extract material once every two years.For wetland cultivation, they can remove up to 75 cubic metres per acre, equivalent to about 25 tractor loads.For dry land cultivation, the limit is 90 cubic metres per acre, or roughly 30 tractor loads.

Potters are also eligible to extract up to 60 cubic metres, approximately 20 tractor loads, free of cost, subject to conditions and within a maximum period of 30 days.Applications must be submitted through nearby e-Sevai centres and will be scrutinised by the concerned Tahsildar.

Farmer applications will be verified using online revenue records, while applications from potters will be checked by the Village Administrative Officer for residency and occupation confirmation.The entire verification process is expected to be completed within seven days on a first-come, first-served basis.Once approved, permission is to be granted within 10 days.

Beneficiaries must ensure they extract only the permitted quantity from demarcated areas and at specified depths, and all work must be carried out at their own expense after obtaining official approval.