Salem, Aug 26 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, C. Joseph Vijay, is expected to open the Mettur Dam on August 28 to release water for irrigation in the Cauvery delta districts, as the reservoir’s water level continues to rise steadily.
Water is traditionally released from the Mettur Dam on June 12 every year to support agricultural operations in the Cauvery delta.
However, the date may be postponed depending on the availability of water in the reservoir.
The release benefits nearly 16 lakh acres of agricultural land spread across 13 districts, including Salem, Namakkal, Erode, Karur, Tiruchi and Thanjavur.
The water is particularly important for farmers cultivating the short-term kuruvai paddy crop. This year, the dam could not be opened on the customary date because of inadequate storage. Even after a delay of about 70 days, water has not been released for kuruvai cultivation, prompting farmers to repeatedly urge the State government to act without further delay.
The water level in the dam stood at 88.43 feet on Tuesday, while the inflow was recorded at 10,807 cubic feet per second.
The continuous inflow has resulted in a gradual increase in the reservoir level, which is expected to touch 90 feet within the next two days.
As a general practice, when water cannot be released on June 12, the government considers opening the dam after its level reaches 90 feet.
The latest rise in storage has strengthened expectations of an imminent release for delta irrigation. Opposition legislators raised the issue in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Tuesday morning and sought clarity from the government on when the dam would be opened.
Water Resources Minister Anand responded to the questions and indicated that the situation was being closely monitored. Meanwhile, Salem District Superintendent of Police Kuthalingam made a surprise visit to the dam and inspected the premises.
His visit, along with other official activity at the site, indicated that preparations were underway for the opening.
Government sources later said Chief Minister Vijay would open the dam on August 28. He is expected to arrive at Salem’s Kamalapuram airport by air and travel to Mettur by road.
The Chief Minister will formally release water from the reservoir for Cauvery delta irrigation. Officials from the Water Resources Department, district administration and police are making the necessary arrangements for the programme.
—IANS
aal/rad