She said there was some relief through the southwest monsoon which increased the level at Mettur dam
Tamil Nadu Chief minister J. Jayalalithaa
Chennai: In a step that will bring cheer to water-starved agriculturists, the Chief minister J. Jayalalithaa on Friday ordered release of water from Mettur reservoir from August 9 to help farmers in the Cauvery delta districts.
In a statement she said there was some relief through the southwest monsoon which increased the level at Mettur dam.
“With the storage level reaching comfortable levels, I have ordered the release of water for short term kuruvai crops from August 9 anticipating normal southwest monsoon rainfall in August. The release of water will cover 12 lakh acres in the Cauvery delta region,” the statement said.
The Chief Minister explained that water could not be released earlier in June (usually on June 12) as the storage level was below 74.21-feet mark. To release water, mandatory 90 feet storage was essential. Under the circumstance, the state released a special relief package for farmers at a cost of Rs 40 crore to boost irrigation. “I request farmers to judiciously use the water and ensure additional agricultural yield,” she said.
According to PWD sources, the level in Mettur dam on Friday stood at 95.91 feet against its full capacity of 120 feet. The inflow was 10,953 cusecs and outflow 6,000 cusecs, PWD sources added.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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