Low storage at the Mettur dam has led to a halt in Cauvery releases for delta irrigation this year, affecting farmers who depend on river-fed cultivation. At the same time, several localities linked to Cauvery combined drinking water schemes, including parts of Mettur municipality, are facing disruptions in water supply.
Officials said irrigation water was not opened on June 12 due to insufficient reserves. The situation has left farmers in delta districts unable to begin cultivation as planned.
Residents in Mettur municipality staged a road blockade on Wednesday, demanding regular drinking water supply. Despite the local shortfall, releases meant to meet Chennai’s drinking water needs are continuing from Mettur.
As per the latest status, the Mettur water level stands at 78 feet. Around 3,000 cusecs is being released for Chennai, reaching Kallanai, from where 2,000 cusecs was let into the Kollidam river and reached Lower Anicut.
From Lower Anicut, 1,545 cusecs is being sent through Vadavaru towards Veeranam lake, though the flow reduces to about 1,000 cusecs by the time it reaches the reservoir. Veeranam’s storage is at 41.90 feet, and 73 cusecs is being supplied to Chennai; irrigation use of this inflow has been fully banned and is being monitored by the Public Works Department.
