Tamil Nadu Reservoirs Face Water Shortage Despite Northeast Monsoon

Chennai, November 3 (Daily Kiran) : Chennai is grappling with a significant water crisis as the Northeast Monsoon brings widespread rainfall across Tamil Nadu. Despite the downpours, water levels in the state’s reservoirs remain alarmingly low, raising concerns about water availability in the coming months.

According to officials from the Water Resources Department, the state’s 90 reservoirs currently hold only 75.7 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of water, which is just 33.7% of their total storage capacity. Only three reservoirs are filled to capacity, while 43 others contain less than 25% of their total capacity. Additionally, 24 reservoirs have water levels below 50%, highlighting the impact of insufficient rainfall and prolonged heat.

Recent rains have fallen in districts adjacent to the Western Ghats and in large parts of northern Tamil Nadu, yet these have not significantly improved reservoir storage. Water Resources Department officials attribute the crisis to an extended dry spell and extreme heat, which have left the reservoir beds nearly dry.

An official associated with the ‘Dam Protection Movement’ noted that the El Niño weather phenomenon led to reduced rainfall during the Southwest Monsoon, resulting in a drastic drop in water levels in many reservoirs. As storage levels decline, large portions of the reservoir beds have become exposed. The persistent high temperatures have dried up the silt and soil in these areas, creating large cracks. Current rainfall is being rapidly absorbed by the parched beds, preventing any notable increase in water storage.

Officials emphasize that consistent rainfall is essential to restore soil moisture and improve groundwater levels before any significant surface water accumulation can occur. However, some reservoirs are showing promising storage levels. These include Gundar in Tenkasi, Mambazhathurayar in Kanyakumari, Sothuparai in Theni, Sastha Koil and Kullurasandai in Virudhunagar, and Varadhanadhi in Dindigul, where storage capacity exceeds 95%.

The Perurvaripallam reservoir under the Coimbatore Water Resources Department has also recorded over 95% water storage. Officials indicate that this uneven distribution of water storage points to the need for consistent monsoon rains to replenish water resources across Tamil Nadu. As the Northeast Monsoon continues, authorities are closely monitoring rainfall patterns and water inflow in reservoirs to assess whether storage levels will improve in the coming weeks.