NewKerala.com

Key Points

The Coimbatore region is experiencing intense monsoon rainfall, causing major water reservoirs to approach their full capacity. Authorities have begun releasing surplus water from Pillur and Siruvani Dams to prevent potential flooding. Local officials have issued flood alerts and are urging residents near riverbanks to exercise caution. The ongoing monsoon activity continues to challenge water management efforts in the district.

Key Points: Coimbatore Dams Overflow Tamil Nadu Monsoon Alert

  • Pillur Dam water level rises 15 feet in 24 hours
  • Surplus water discharged at 14,000 cusecs
  • Siruvani Dam nearing restricted storage limit
  • Flood alerts issued for riverbank residents
2 min read

Coimbatore reservoirs near full capacity, surplus water discharged amid heavy rain

Heavy rains push Pillur and Siruvani Dams near capacity, authorities release surplus water and issue flood warnings in Coimbatore region

"We are closely monitoring all major reservoirs to prevent flooding - District Authorities"

Chennai, June 17

Major water reservoirs in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore district are rapidly approaching their full storage capacities following relentless rainfall under the influence of an active Southwest Monsoon.

With waterbodies receiving substantial inflows, authorities have begun discharging surplus water through dam shutters, prompting precautionary measures in low-lying areas.

The Pillur Dam, located near Mettupalayam and a key source of drinking water for Coimbatore, is on the verge of touching its full reservoir level (FRL) of 100 feet for the second time this year.

A significant increase in inflow saw the dam's water level surge from 82 feet on Sunday to 97 feet by Monday, marking a 15-foot rise in just 24 hours due to heavy rainfall in its catchment areas. In response, surplus water is being released through all four shutters, with the current discharge volume exceeding 14,000 cusecs into the Bhavani River.

Authorities have issued a flood alert to residents living near the riverbanks. Police and local officials in Mettupalayam have urged the public to stay away from the river and avoid activities such as bathing or washing clothes in the flowing waters.

Simultaneously, the Siruvani Dam, situated in Kerala and another critical drinking water source for Coimbatore, is also nearing its Restricted Water Storage Level. The dam's water level rose from 39 feet on Saturday to 43.13 feet by Monday, following three days of significant rainfall in its catchment areas, which received 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 mandates the release of surplus water once the level approaches 44.61 feet, the restricted limit.

Accordingly, dam authorities began releasing excess water on Monday as a preventive measure. Currently, 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 figure is close to the agreed supply quota of 101.4 MLD.

With continued monsoon activity predicted in the coming days, district authorities remain on high alert and are closely monitoring all major reservoirs to prevent flooding and ensure uninterrupted water supply to the region.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Good to see our reservoirs filling up after last year's water scarcity! But authorities must ensure proper management of surplus water. Hope they've learned from previous flood incidents in low-lying areas. Stay safe everyone!
P
Priya M.
As a Coimbatore resident, this is both relief and worry. Relief because we won't face water shortage this summer. Worry because our drainage systems can't handle sudden heavy discharge. Corporation should improve infrastructure before monsoon season begins.
S
Suresh V.
Why can't we store more water when Kerala has surplus? The Siruvani dam agreement seems outdated. In times of climate change, we need better water sharing policies between states. 💧
A
Ananya R.
My relatives in Mettupalayam say the water release warnings came just in time. Kudos to the officials for being proactive this time. But please educate villagers about dangers of bathing in floodwaters - we lost lives last year to this carelessness.
K
Karthik B.
Instead of just releasing water, TN government should invest in recharge wells and groundwater replenishment projects. Our future depends on water conservation, not just flood prevention. #WaterManagement
M
Meena S.
The 15-foot rise in Pillur dam in just 24 hours is alarming! Climate change is real, people. We need better disaster preparedness at village level. Maybe mobile alerts in local language would help more villagers understand the danger.

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