CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu’s 90 reservoirs hold 143.804 tmcft of water which is 64.11% of their total capacity of 224.297 tmcft as of Monday. This is significantly higher compared to the same period last year when the storage level was just 79.514 tmcft (35.58%).
According to data from the Water Resources Department (WRD), storage in Mettur reservoir reached 62,140 million cubic feet (mcft) on Monday which is 384% higher than the storage the same time last year. Similarly, Bhavanisagar reservoir recorded storage of 21,141 mcft, also showing a 210% increase from the previous year. These reservoirs play a key role in irrigation in the region.
A senior official told TNIE, “Compared to last year, rainfall and inflow from Karnataka have been much higher. As per the Supreme Court’s order, Karnataka was supposed to release 134.2284 tmcft of water between June and October 17. However, due to heavy rain in the Cauvery river’s catchment areas, Karnataka released 221.1125 tmcft, which is 86.8842 tmcft more. Last year, Tamil Nadu received only 53.7209 tmcft in this period.”
Expressing optimism over the northeast monsoon, the official said, “We expect additional water, and this should make it easier to meet drinking water needs during summer next year.”
Officials will continuously monitor the reservoirs and will plan for the controlled release of water through surplus channels to keep adequate storage as a precaution for flood mitigation.
Meanwhile, farmers have urged the state government to ensure water release for agricultural activities during summer months. KV Elankeeran, president of the Federation of Cauvery Delta Farmers Association, highlighted the challenges faced by farmers in the delta region. He said, “Farmers usually cultivate only two seasons out of three every year due to lack of water. During summer, there is usually no water, and farming activities drop significantly.”
However, this year, storage levels in reservoirs are better. With the IMD predicting good rainfall during the northeast monsoon, Elankeeran suggested that the government plan water release during the summer. This would help farmers grow short-term crops like blackgram.
K Raguraman, a farmer from Mannargudi, said, “Even though we have received more rainfall, storing the extra water is not possible because there are no links between the irrigation tanks and reservoirs.” He urged the government to create links to ensure storage and to meet future needs effectively.