Chennai, August 11
The inflow into the Mettur dam increased to 7,151 cusecs on Tuesday from 5,760 cusecs as water released from reservoirs in Karnataka continued to make its way into Tamil Nadu through the Cauvery river.
The improvement in inflow follows recent rainfall in the Cauvery catchment areas of Karnataka, which had raised water levels in major reservoirs and prompted authorities to release water downstream.
The southwest monsoon had strengthened over parts of Karnataka in recent days, bringing substantial rainfall to the catchment areas of the Kabini and Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) reservoirs. As inflows increased, Karnataka began releasing water from the Kabini reservoir into the Cauvery from August 1.
The discharge from Kabini was subsequently increased in response to heavy inflows and, at one stage, touched around 27,000 cusecs. Water was also released from the KRS reservoir, contributing to the flow towards Tamil Nadu.
However, rainfall in the catchment areas later weakened, leading to a decline in reservoir inflows. Karnataka authorities consequently reduced the volume of water being discharged downstream.
Despite the reduction, water released earlier continued to move downstream and reach Tamil Nadu through Hogenakkal before flowing towards the Mettur reservoir in Salem district.
Officials said the inflow into Mettur, which stood at 5,760 cusecs earlier, rose to 7,151 cusecs on Tuesday. The improvement is expected to strengthen the water position at the reservoir if the upstream flow continues.
Meanwhile, around 1,500 cusecs is being released from Mettur to meet drinking water requirements in downstream areas.
The Mettur dam plays a crucial role in supplying water for irrigation in Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery delta districts. Its inflow and storage levels are closely watched during the southwest monsoon, with water availability largely influenced by rainfall and reservoir releases in Karnataka.
Officials will continue monitoring rainfall in the Cauvery catchment and the volume of water reaching Tamil Nadu.
