Mettur Dam Water Level Dips Below 65 Feet Amid Low Inflows

The water level at Mettur Dam has fallen below the 65-feet mark, raising concerns about the sustainability of irrigation supplies to the Cauvery delta region. The decline comes as inflows into the reservoir remain considerably low, limiting the available water stock for agricultural distribution.

State irrigation officials have indicated that maintaining current release schedules for delta irrigation may prove challenging in the coming weeks. The dam's operational capacity has been constrained by the persistent deficit in water inflows, reflecting broader concerns about seasonal rainfall patterns and upstream water availability.

Farmers dependent on irrigation from the Mettur reservoir, which serves as a critical water source for agricultural activities across the delta, now face uncertainty regarding the continuity of water supply. Officials have suggested that unless there is a significant improvement in inflow conditions, the planned irrigation releases could be curtailed after their scheduled expiration date.

The situation underscores the ongoing water management challenges faced by Tamil Nadu during periods of insufficient rainfall. Irrigation authorities are closely monitoring reservoir levels and inflow patterns to determine the feasibility of extending relief measures to delta farmers in the coming months.