Chennai, May 17
The flow of water to the Hogenakkal falls has surged by 1,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) following continuous rainfall in the catchment areas, including Pilikundulu, over the past few days.
According to Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department officials, the rainfall recorded in regions upstream of the Cauvery River has significantly boosted inflow to the popular tourist destination on the Tamil Nadu–Karnataka border. As of Saturday morning, the water flow at Hogenakkal increased from 5,000 to 6,000 cusecs. This sudden rise has been attributed to heavy rains in Pilikundulu and nearby catchment zones, leading to a notable increase in water discharge into the Cauvery River.
With water levels reaching a favourable range, tourists visiting Hogenakkal enjoyed coracle rides along the Cauvery River and bathed in the scenic waterfalls, which were in full flow. Local authorities reported a rise in tourist footfall as visitors took advantage of the improved weather and river conditions over the weekend.
Officials from the Central Water Resources Department (WRD) have been closely monitoring the situation, especially at Pilikundulu, the key measuring point for river inflows at the Tamil Nadu–Karnataka border. The department confirmed that the water level is being continuously tracked to ensure safety and effective water management downstream.
Meanwhile, tourism operators and local vendors have expressed optimism as the boost in river flow has rejuvenated tourist activity, which had slowed during the dry spell. Security personnel and safety teams have been deployed around the bathing and boating zones to prevent mishaps, particularly due to the strong water current in certain sections of the river.
Hogenakkal, often dubbed the “Niagara of India,†relies heavily on seasonal rainfall for maintaining its flow. The recent showers have not only improved the scenic beauty of the falls but also brought relief to local communities dependent on tourism and river-based livelihoods.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally some good news for Hogenakkal! 🌊 The waterfalls look breathtaking when in full flow. I visited last year during lean season and it was disappointing. Hope this brings more tourists and helps local businesses recover. Just hope authorities maintain proper safety measures with stronger currents.
Good to see increased water flow, but let's not forget the Karnataka-TN water sharing tensions. Hope both states cooperate to manage this resource properly. The Cauvery dispute has gone on for too long - nature gives us abundance, but politics creates scarcity.
As someone from Dharmapuri district, this is such a relief! Our local economy depends so much on Hogenakkal tourism. The coracle rides and fish curry meals are famous, but without water, everything suffers. Hope the rains continue moderately - too much will bring floods, too little brings drought. Nature's balance is everything.
While the increased flow is great for tourism, I worry about safety. Every year we hear about accidents at Hogenakkal when water levels rise suddenly. Authorities must strictly enforce life jacket rules for coracle rides and mark dangerous zones clearly. One tragedy can ruin many lives.
The Hogenakkal oil massage is world famous! 💆â€â™€ï¸ With more water flow, the falls create perfect natural showers for the massage experience. Planning a trip next weekend - does anyone know if the full body massage services have resumed near the falls area?
While celebrating the tourism boost, we must think long-term. Climate change is making rainfall patterns unpredictable. TN needs better water conservation methods - maybe small check dams upstream to store excess flow for dry periods. Our ancestors built amazing water systems, we should learn from them.
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