Delay in plugging Siruvani dam leakage raises concerns in TN as monsoon nears

IANS May 22, 2025 277 views

The Siruvani Dam, crucial for Coimbatore's water supply, is experiencing significant water loss through unaddressed seepage. Expert teams have conducted inspections and recommended repair strategies involving grouting and geomembrane lining. Currently, the repair process is stalled while awaiting cost estimates from Kerala authorities. With the monsoon approaching, environmentalists and civic bodies are urgently calling for immediate intervention to prevent further water loss.

"Nearly 10 million litres per day is being lost due to dam seepage" - CWPRS Inspection Team
Chennai, May 22: With the southwest monsoon fast approaching, concerns are rising over the delay in initiating critical repair work at the Siruvani Dam -- one of the main sources of drinking water for Coimbatore city.

Key Points

1

Joint expert team identified critical dam infrastructure vulnerabilities

2

Repair work delayed pending cost estimates from Kerala

3

Potential water conservation of 50-55 MLD during summer months

4

Monsoon approach increases urgency of dam repair

Officials have warned that nearly 10 million litres per day (MLD) of water is currently being lost due to seepage from the dam. This volume is sufficient to meet Coimbatore’s residential water needs for three days.

Experts say that if the leakage is rectified in time, around 50 to 55 MLD of water can be conserved during peak summer months -- an essential resource for the city’s population.

To assess and resolve the issue, a joint inspection was carried out on January 8 by five teams representing the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage (TWAD) Board, Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M), Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC), and the Kerala Water Resources Department.

Following the inspection, a comprehensive technical report was submitted by the CWPRS team to CCMC Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran.

The report outlined the extent of the damage and recommended remedial measures to stop the seepage and enhance dam safety.

The Pune-based team suggested two potential solutions -- grouting and the application of a geomembrane lining. Sources in the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation told IANS that the Tamil Nadu authorities are awaiting final cost estimates from the Kerala Water Resources and Irrigation Department, which is responsible for executing the repair work.

These estimates are to be prepared based on the recommendations made by the dam safety experts.

Once Kerala submits the detailed cost estimates, the Tamil Nadu government is expected to allocate the necessary funds, and the repair work will be undertaken by the Kerala authorities.

However, with the monsoon just days away, environmentalists and civic bodies are pressing both state governments to expedite the process. Any further delay could result in the loss of precious rainwater from the reservoir, worsening the already precarious water situation in Coimbatore.

Situated in Kerala, the Siruvani Dam remains a vital water source for lakhs of residents in neighbouring Tamil Nadu. The growing water loss due to unchecked seepage has raised alarm among officials and citizens alike, underscoring the urgent need for timely intervention.

Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rajesh K.
This is sheer negligence by both state governments! When will our politicians understand that water is more precious than gold? Kerala and TN must stop this bureaucratic ping-pong and fix the dam immediately. Monsoon won't wait for their paperwork! 😠
P
Priya M.
As someone from Coimbatore, this makes me really worried. We already face water shortages every summer. Why can't the governments work together faster? The technical report was ready in January itself - what were they doing for 4 months? 😟
A
Arjun S.
This shows how inter-state water management needs reform. Maybe we need a permanent joint committee for such critical infrastructure that serves multiple states. The current system is too slow when urgent action is needed.
S
Saranya V.
While I understand people's frustration, let's not forget that proper dam repairs require careful planning and execution. Rushed work could be dangerous. But yes, the governments should at least issue a clear timeline to reassure citizens.
K
Karthik N.
The numbers are shocking - 10 MLD lost daily! That's water for thousands of families. Maybe citizens should file PILs to force action. Sometimes courts move faster than our babus. #SaveSiruvaniWater
M
Meena R.
This is why we need more rainwater harvesting in Coimbatore. While the dam is important, we can't depend on just one source. Our ancestors knew how to conserve every drop - we've forgotten those lessons in modern times.

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Tags:
Siruvani Dam Water Conservation Coimbatore Water Supply Tamil Nadu Kerala Dam Repair Monsoon Preparedness