Mettur Dam water level drops, situation under watch as inflows reduce
Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu: A gradual decline in the water level of Mettur Dam has been recorded on Sunday (June 7). This decrease in water level is being seen due to continuously decreasing inflow of water in the dam. According to the Water Resources Department, the amount of water coming into the dam has decreased compared to earlier, due to which the total water storage has been affected. In view of the current situation, the department is continuously monitoring so that balance can be maintained in water supply and usage.
According to the information, the inflow into Mettur Dam was earlier 1,223 cubic feet per second (cusecs), which has reduced to 760 cubic feet per second. This reduction in water inflow has had a direct impact on the water level in the dam. At the same time, to meet domestic and drinking water requirements, water is being released from the dam at the rate of 1,000 cubic feet per second. In this situation, there is an imbalance between inflow and outflow, due to which the water level is falling.
The water level of Mettur Dam dropped from 79.86 feet to 79.82 feet in the morning. Although this decline is not huge, the situation may be further affected in the coming days due to continuously decreasing inflows. Water resources experts believe that if rainfall or water flow from upstream areas does not improve, the dam’s water level may see a further decline.
The current water storage capacity in the dam is recorded at 41.77 Tonnes Million Cubic Feet (TMC). This storage level is currently considered to be in a balanced state, but pressure on it may increase due to continued low inflow. Departmental officials said that priority is being given to drinking water supply and water supply is being ensured in essential areas.
The local administration has also kept an eye on the situation and appealed to be careful regarding water usage. Farmers and water users have been advised to use water judiciously so that the existing storage can be used for a longer period.
Mettur Dam is one of the major water sources of Tamil Nadu, playing an important role for both agricultural and drinking water needs. In such a situation, any change in the water level can affect the supply system of the area. Keeping this in mind, the administration is constantly reviewing the situation.
Overall, a slight drop in the water level of Mettur Dam has been observed due to reduction in inflow and stagnant outflow. Weather and rainfall conditions may have a significant impact on this in the coming days.
