Chennai: The water levels in several dams have risen sharply following copious rains. The level of water in the Vaigai dam went up to 59 feet with an inflow of 3,168 cusecs. Water level in Mullaiperiyar dam increased by two feet in a single day to reach 131.30 feet.
At present the level at Mullaiperiyar is 133.30 feet (permissible level is 142 ft) with an inflow of 7,388 cusecs and a discharge of 1,670 cusecs. Though there was no rainfall in the catchments of the dam, the Moolavaigai river was flooded as there were heavy rain in Arasaradi and Bommarajapuram. Kottakudi river is also expected to receive heavy inflow in the next two days. Since rains have been predicted in the Western Ghats for the next two days, inflow into the dams are expected to increase.
Meanwhile, the forest officials have been instructed not to allow tourists and devotees to climb the Sathuragiri hills, even on Mahalya Amavasai on Monday, and also the Ayyanar hills where people are invariably stranded on rainy days. These two areas in the forests are vulnerable to flash floods and in 2015, eight persons had been washed away on Sathuragiri hills.
According to reports reaching here, the Sasthakoil Dam near Rajapalayam is overflowing and the excess water of 50 cusecs is being discharged. In the event of a cloudburst, the officials have been instructed to release water gradually from the dams without allowing the water to reach the maximum reservoir level. Also, people living in the low-lying areas on the downstream have been asked to remain extra vigilant.
