What’s Causing the Flood Alert from Tamil Nadu’s Sathanur Dam?
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Synopsis
The Sathanur Reservoir in Tamil Nadu, facing heavy inflow from continuous rain, has led to a flood alert. Authorities have released water to maintain safety, impacting local communities and infrastructure. Learn about the dam's significance and the ongoing situation amid the northeast monsoon.
Key Takeaways
- Continuous rainfall has led to increased inflow at Sathanur Dam.
- Authorities have released excess water to manage levels.
- The dam supports irrigation and drinking water for many districts.
- Local communities are advised to stay away from flooded areas.
- Ongoing surveillance ensures safety as the northeast monsoon approaches.
Chennai, Oct 12 (NationPress) The Sathanur Reservoir, one of the largest dams in Tamil Nadu, located near Thandarampattu in the Tiruvannamalai district, has experienced a significant rise in inflow due to 10 consecutive days of rainfall. This has led officials to release excess water and issue a flood alert for the surrounding regions.
Standing at a height of 119 feet, the Sathanur Dam boasts a storage capacity of 7,321 million cubic feet (mcft). This reservoir plays a vital role in irrigating nearly 50,000 acres across Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Vellore, Kallakurichi, and Cuddalore districts, supported by a comprehensive network of canals.
Moreover, it supplies drinking water to the Tiruvannamalai Corporation and nearby villages through a collaborative water supply initiative. A hydroelectric power generation project is also in progress, utilizing surplus discharge from the dam.
Due to the recent heavy rains, the inflow has surged to approximately 6,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs). To maintain structural integrity, engineers have lowered the water level to 111.80 feet and have opened 12 sluice gates, releasing around 9,000 cusecs into the Thenpennai River.
This release has caused the river to overflow, leading to flooding in several low-lying areas downstream. The Komanthanmedu and Chitheri Anicut causeways are now submerged, interrupting traffic between important villages.
Local officials have cautioned residents living along the riverbanks to stay away from the water and avoid crossing submerged causeways.
Officials from the Water Resources Department and district administration are on constant watch over the inflow and outflow of the reservoir.
With the northeast monsoon expected to intensify soon, authorities have issued renewed flood alerts for communities along the Thenpennai basin, urging residents to exercise caution.
The Sathanur Dam, constructed across the Pennaiyar River and operational since 1958, remains a critical resource for irrigation and drinking water in northern Tamil Nadu. However, the recent heavy rainfall underscores the need for careful management of storage, safety, and flood control.
Point of View
The situation at the Sathanur Dam highlights the critical balance between managing water resources and ensuring public safety. The ongoing monitoring by local authorities is commendable, but it also stresses the importance of preparedness as the northeast monsoon approaches.
NationPress
12/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the flood alert at Sathanur Dam?
The flood alert was issued due to a significant increase in inflow following ten days of continuous rainfall, prompting the release of excess water.
How does the Sathanur Dam impact local agriculture?
The Sathanur Dam provides irrigation water to nearly 50,000 acres of farmland across multiple districts, supporting local agriculture.
What safety measures are being taken for residents?
Local officials have advised residents near the riverbanks to avoid venturing into the water and stay away from submerged causeways.
What is the current status of the dam’s water levels?
Engineers have lowered the water level to 111.80 feet and opened 12 sluice gates to manage the situation.
What are the future expectations regarding rainfall?
The northeast monsoon is predicted to intensify, leading to renewed flood alerts for areas along the Thenpennai basin.
