Are Coimbatore's Reservoirs Nearing Full Capacity Amid Heavy Rain?
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Synopsis
As Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore district faces relentless rainfall, major reservoirs are nearing their full capacities. Authorities are taking precautionary measures to manage water levels and ensure safety for local residents. Discover how the situation is unfolding and what it means for the community.
Key Takeaways
- Coimbatore reservoirs nearing full capacity due to heavy rains.
- Authorities have released surplus water to manage levels.
- Flood alerts issued for residents near riverbanks.
- Monitoring of reservoirs will continue as monsoon conditions persist.
- Safety precautions are essential for local communities.
Chennai, June 17 (NationPress) Several major water reservoirs in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore district are swiftly nearing their maximum storage capacities due to incessant rainfall driven by an active Southwest Monsoon.
With water bodies receiving significant inflows, officials have initiated the release of excess water through dam shutters, leading to precautionary steps in low-lying regions.
The Pillur Dam, located close to Mettupalayam and a crucial drinking water supply for Coimbatore, is on the brink of reaching its full reservoir level (FRL) of 100 feet for the second time this year.
A marked inflow increase has resulted in the dam's water level escalating from 82 feet on Sunday to 97 feet by Monday, a remarkable 15-foot rise in just 24 hours due to heavy precipitation in its catchment zones. In reaction, all four shutters are releasing surplus water, with a current discharge rate exceeding 14,000 cusecs into the Bhavani River.
Officials have issued a flood warning to residents living near the riverbanks. Police and local authorities in Mettupalayam have advised the public to refrain from approaching the river and to avoid activities such as bathing or washing clothes in the flowing waters.
At the same time, the Siruvani Dam, located in Kerala and another vital drinking water source for Coimbatore, is also nearing its Restricted Water Storage Level. The dam's water level increased from 39 feet on Saturday to 43.13 feet by Monday, following three consecutive days of considerable rainfall in its catchment areas, which recorded 22 mm, 70 mm, and 147 mm of precipitation, respectively.
Although the dam's full reservoir level is 49.53 feet, the Kerala Irrigation and Water Resources Department requires the release of excess water once the level approaches 44.61 feet, the restricted limit.
As a result, dam authorities commenced releasing excess water on Monday as a precautionary measure. Presently, 99.76 million litres per day (MLD) is being drawn from the Siruvani Dam and distributed to over seven villages and more than 20 wards under the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC). This amount is nearing the agreed supply quota of 101.4 MLD.
With ongoing monsoon activity anticipated in the forthcoming days, district authorities are on high alert and are vigilantly monitoring all major reservoirs to prevent flooding and ensure an uninterrupted water supply to the region.
Point of View
It's critical to understand the implications of the current weather patterns in Coimbatore. The rapid rise in reservoir levels due to the Southwest Monsoon highlights the need for effective water management strategies. Authorities must remain vigilant to safeguard residents while ensuring reliable water supply in the region.
NationPress
17/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the increase in water levels in Coimbatore?
The increase in water levels is primarily due to incessant rainfall associated with the active Southwest Monsoon.
How is the government responding to the rising water levels?
Authorities are releasing surplus water through dam shutters and issuing flood alerts to residents in low-lying areas.
What safety measures should residents take?
Residents near riverbanks are advised to stay away from the water and avoid activities like bathing or washing clothes in the river.
What is the current status of the Pillur and Siruvani Dams?
Both dams are nearing their full reservoir levels, with significant increases in water levels reported recently.
How much water is currently being supplied from the Siruvani Dam?
Currently, 99.76 million litres per day (MLD) is being drawn from the Siruvani Dam for distribution.
