In Tamil Nadu, the Grand Anicut Kallanai canal was opened today for irrigation in Cauvery delta districts of Thanjavur, Nagapattinam and Tiruvarur by School Education Minister N R Sivapathy and Fisheries Minister Jayapal . Our Correspondent reports that “Nadanthai Azhi Cauvery”-River Cauvery at her majestic best with swirling waters is flowing vigorously like a sea. Grand Anicut Kallanai has been opened today for samba cultivation. 5000 cusecs of water each has been released to Cauvery and Vennar, 2000 Cusecs to Kallanai canal and 1000 cusecs to Kollidam for irrigation.More than 4 lakh 20 thousand hectare land will be irrigated. Kallanai is an engineering marvel built by King Karikala Chola in 2nd Century AD and is one of the oldest dams in the world still in use. The water opened from Mettur Dam last Monday, went past Tiruchi Mookombu and reached Kallanai last night. The release of water has brought relief to thousands of farmers in delta districts of Thanjai, Nagai, Tiruvarur. In the Cauvery River Authority meeting held at Delhi on Wednesday under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister, Karnataka was asked to release 9000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu, till October 15 this year.