Why is the Water Level Rising So Rapidly in the Lower Bhavani Reservoir?
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Synopsis
Chennai is experiencing a surge in the water level of the Lower Bhavani Project Reservoir, driven by heavy rainfall. This increase is crucial for local farmers and the agricultural sector. Explore the implications of this rise and what it means for the upcoming cultivation season. Will the farmers benefit from this much-needed water supply?
Key Takeaways
- The Lower Bhavani Project Reservoir is crucial for irrigation in Tamil Nadu.
- Heavy rainfall has led to a significant rise in water levels.
- Current water levels are a relief for local farmers.
- Authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
- Farmers are hopeful for irrigation releases soon.
Chennai, May 25 (NationPress) The water level in the Lower Bhavani Project (LBP) Reservoir, located in Tamil Nadu's Erode district, has seen a remarkable increase as a result of heavy rainfall in the catchment areas, especially in the Nilgiris district, according to officials from the Water Resources Department (WRD) on Sunday.
WRD representatives indicated that the inflow into the reservoir began to surge significantly after midnight on Saturday. By 8 a.m. on Sunday, the inflow had escalated to 4,792 cubic feet per second (cusecs), raising the water level to 70.38 feet.
The reservoir's total storage capacity reached 11.11 thousand million cubic (tmc) feet of water, officials noted.
The LBP dam, which is situated across the Bhavani River at Bhavanisagar, is essential for supplying irrigation to farmers in Erode and certain areas of Tiruppur and Karur districts. Each year, over three lakh acres of agricultural land in Erode district benefit from the water it holds.
Throughout this summer season, water levels had fallen significantly, constraining authorities to limit water release. Up until Saturday, only 100 cusecs were being released, primarily to satisfy the drinking water needs of Sathyamangalam, Gobichettipalayam, and Bhavani taluks.
Officials stated that the water level, which was recorded at 70.08 feet by 10 p.m. on Saturday, is now steadily rising.
The maximum reservoir level is 105 feet, while the dam's total storage capacity is 32.8 tmc feet.
The inflow surged to 1,887 cusecs around Saturday midnight, and by Sunday morning, it had jumped to nearly 4,800 cusecs.
“We anticipate the inflow to increase further on Sunday and Monday, given the heavy to very heavy rainfall forecasted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for Nilgiris and Coimbatore districts,” a senior WRD official stated.
Farmers throughout the region, especially those reliant on the LBP canal system and nearby water bodies such as Kalingarayan, Thadepalli, and Arakkankottai, welcomed this news with relief and optimism.
Many expressed anticipation that the rising water levels would soon facilitate irrigation releases, aiding them in preparing for the forthcoming cultivation season.
The WRD is diligently monitoring the situation and stated that any further increase in inflow will be managed cautiously to ensure safety while optimizing water availability for agricultural needs.
Point of View
It’s essential to recognize the critical role that the Lower Bhavani Project Reservoir plays in the agricultural landscape of Tamil Nadu. The current rise in water levels not only provides immediate relief to farmers but also highlights the ongoing need for efficient water management practices in the face of changing weather patterns. This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining infrastructure to support our agricultural sector.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the water level to rise in the Lower Bhavani Reservoir?
The water level is rising due to intense rainfall in the catchment areas, particularly in the Nilgiris district.
How much water is currently stored in the reservoir?
As of now, the total storage in the reservoir is 11.11 thousand million cubic feet of water.
What is the full capacity of the Lower Bhavani Reservoir?
The full reservoir level is 105 feet, and the dam has a total storage capacity of 32.8 tmc feet.
How will this impact local farmers?
The rising water levels are expected to allow for irrigation releases, helping farmers prepare for the upcoming cultivation season.
