Concerns Rise Among Farmers as Water Release from Mettur Dam Ends
With the end of water release from Mettur Dam, farmers in the Cauvery Delta face growing concerns over irrigation shortages.
Chennai, October 15 (Daily Kiran) : As the 45-day water supply period established by the Tamil Nadu government comes to a close, the release of water from the Mettur Dam for irrigation in the Cauvery Delta is set to end on Thursday. This development has heightened anxiety among farmers who still require water for their crops.
Chief Minister Vijay opened the dam for irrigation on September 1, amid uncertainties surrounding water supply due to insufficient monsoon rains. Typically, water is released from the Mettur Dam for agricultural activities starting June 12. However, this year’s delay in the dam’s opening was accompanied by an announcement that the water supply would continue for 45 days.
With the end of this period approaching, farmers are left hoping for an extension from the government. During the supply period, the water level in the dam has dropped significantly, falling from 91 feet on September 1 to 59.13 feet by Wednesday evening. This decline reflects the pressure on the dam due to continuous water release without sufficient replenishment.
The water flow has decreased to just 696 cubic feet per second, which is considerably lower than the volume being released. Initially reaching a maximum flow of 15,000 cusecs during the irrigation period, the flow was reduced to 10,000 cusecs by Wednesday evening due to the ongoing decline in storage levels.
This imbalance in water flow has resulted in a continuous drop in the reservoir’s level, limiting the potential for maintaining water supply at the current level. The decreasing water level raises further uncertainties about the availability of irrigation water in the coming days.
Farmers in the Cauvery Delta have appealed to the state government for continued water releases, emphasizing their crops’ ongoing need for irrigation. This request presents the government with the challenge of balancing immediate agricultural needs against dwindling water reserves in the reservoir.
Attention now turns to the upcoming northeastern monsoon, which is critical for ensuring a steady water flow from the dam. A robust monsoon and significant improvements in water flow will be essential for sustaining irrigation efforts in the region.
