Tirunelveli: After continuous dry weather for months the onset of the "saral" rains in the western parts of Tirunelveli district, since the Monsoon broke out in Kerala, has raised a ray of hope for the farmers of the southern districts, who were deprived of the short-term paddy cultivation in Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli districts due to shortage of water in the major dams.
The water level at Papanasam dam that was at 9.45 ft against the maximum storage capacity of 143-ft, just a week ago dramatically went up to 20.40-ft on Monday (June 10) "The water level just a couple of days was at 9.45-ft rose to 12-ft on June 9, which on the very next day on June 10 further increased by 8-ft to be at 20-ft," said a PWD official, who too expects a good rainfall in the catchment areas.
He said thatwater level would further rise to a comfortable position of 50-ft within a week.
Having a very low inflow of 129.86-ft on June 18, Papanasam dam as on Monday morning registered an inflow of 1153.70 cusecs due to the 15-mm of rain recorded in the last 24 hours till 8 am on Monday in the water catchment areas of Papanasam dam.
Rainfall in the catchment areas other major reservoirs in Tirunelveli district too received moderate rainfall on Monday. Manimutharu dam registered 6.8-mm and the Servalaru dam received 4-mm. The inland areas of Tirunelveli district too experienced rains to cheer the general public especially the farmers, who are hopeful of commencing the paddy cultivation for the 'Kar' season in Tirunelveli and parts of Thoothukudi districts.
Falls at Courtallam too jumped back to life on Monday with a moderate flow due to the good showers in the Western Ghats. Thirparappu falls in full flow due to the sudden increase of water flow at Kothaiyar river in Kanyakumari district. Water level at the Pechiparai and Perunchani dams in Kanyakumari district too increased significantly.
