Tamil Nadu water crisis to continue till Deepavali; State rests hope on Mettur dam
- Given the lack of inflow of water from neighbouring states like Andhra, Kerala and Karnataka, the water crisis in Tamil Nadu may continue for 2 more months.
- The only hope is the inflow of water from the Hogenakkal, which is receiving considerable water.
- If the water level in Mettur dam increases, water for irrigation could be released by August.
FollowOwing to the worst drought in over 130 years in Tamil Nadu, the state will have to face water shortage for two months, to be specific, till Deepavali. Public works department officials in the state are unhappy with the inflow of water into Tamil Nadu reservoirs as there is little or no inflow of water from the neighbouring state like Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, an official said, "Southwest monsoon so far has been weak with neighbouring states now filling their reservoirs and as usual Tamil Nadu and Puduchery being riparian states will continue to be affected. However, the only silver lining is the fact that western and southern Tamil Nadu will not be as much affected since reservoirs in Coimbatore, Salem and Tirunelveli have a uniform inflow of water. The only concern is with northern Tamil Nadu, which is constantly hit by lack of monsoon.
Hogenakkal, however, has started receiving considerable water of upto 5,000 cusecs since Wednesday, which has increased the water level in the Mettur dam to TMC feet. If the inflow doubles, the dam could be opened for irrigation and to fill up the Veeranam in August. Officials have said that at present 500 cusecs of water is being released for integrated drinking water schemes.
