Salem, August 26: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is expected to open the Mettur Dam on August 28. This action will allow water to flow into the Cauvery Delta districts for irrigation, as the water level in the reservoir continues to rise.
Traditionally, water is released from the Mettur Dam every year on June 12 to assist agricultural activities in the Cauvery Delta. However, this date can be adjusted based on water availability in the reservoir. The release of water benefits approximately 1.6 million acres of agricultural land across 13 districts, including Salem, Namakkal, Erode, Karur, Tiruchi, and Thanjavur.
This water is particularly crucial for farmers cultivating short-duration Kuruvai rice. This year, due to insufficient water accumulation, the dam could not be opened on the scheduled date. After a delay of nearly 70 days, water has yet to be released for Kuruvai cultivation, prompting farmers to repeatedly urge the state government to take timely action. On Tuesday, the water level in the dam was recorded at 88.43 feet, with a flow rate of 10,807 cubic feet per second.
Continuous inflow has gradually increased the reservoir’s water level, and it is expected to reach 90 feet in the next two days. Typically, the government considers opening the dam once the water level reaches 90 feet. The recent increase in water reserves has raised hopes for an imminent release for delta irrigation.
On Tuesday morning, opposition legislators in the Tamil Nadu Assembly raised this issue, demanding clarification from the government on when the dam would be opened. Responding to questions, Water Resources Minister Anand indicated that the situation is being closely monitored. Meanwhile, the Superintendent of Police in Salem, Kuthalingam, conducted an unscheduled visit to the dam and inspected the premises. His visit, along with other official activities on-site, suggested that preparations for opening the dam were underway.
Government sources indicated that Chief Minister Vijay will inaugurate the dam on August 28. He is expected to arrive by air at Kamalapuram Airport in Salem and travel by road to Mettur. The Chief Minister will formally release water from the reservoir for Cauvery Delta irrigation. Officials from the Water Resources Department, district administration, and police are making necessary arrangements for this event.
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