The New Indian Express ·
Mettur Dam level below 90 ft, no pause in outflow, says Water Resources Department
SALEM: Even as the storage level at Mettur Dam has fallen below 90 feet, the water resources department (WRD) has said the discharge into the Cauvery for delta irrigation will continue as announced, even if the reservoir level declines further. The inflow, which had dropped sharply in recent days, has now increased to around 7,600 cusecs, providing some relief amid the declining storage.
As on Sunday evening, the water level stood at 88.39 feet, with storage at 50.832 tmcft. The inflow had increased to 7,598 cusecs, while 12,000 cusecs was being released into the river for delta irrigation. Another 400 cusecs was being released through the Mettur West Bank and Mettur East Bank canals to meet drinking water requirements.
The dam was opened for delta irrigation by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on September 1 after the reservoir crossed the required level following a prolonged delay. After an initial discharge of 3,000 cusecs, the outflow was gradually increased to 5,000 cusecs and 7,000 cusecs on the same day. The discharge was subsequently increased to 12,000 cusecs from September 7.
