Salem, Sep 7: Water release from the Mettur Dam was increased to 12,000 cusecs on Monday as irrigation needs grew across Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery delta. The higher release is expected to provide much-needed water to farmers preparing their fields for the samba paddy season.
Water was first released from the dam on September 1 at 3,000 cusecs. The discharge was later increased to 7,000 cusecs and remained at that level for several days before being raised to 10,000 cusecs on Sunday evening. It was increased further to 12,000 cusecs on Monday morning.
The additional water is important for farmers as paddy cultivation requires a steady supply of water, particularly during land preparation, transplanting and the early stages of crop growth. Better water availability can help farmers begin cultivation on time and reduce the risk of delays caused by inadequate irrigation.
The Cauvery delta is one of Tamil Nadu’s major agricultural regions, with paddy being a key crop. A reliable water supply from the Mettur reservoir can therefore have a direct impact on the area’s farming activity.
For farmers, timely water availability can also mean better prospects for the upcoming harvest. It can support spending on seeds, fertilisers, farm machinery, labour and other agricultural inputs, creating activity across the rural economy.
The impact can extend beyond farms. A healthy paddy season can increase demand for agricultural labour, transport, storage, rice mills and local markets. If crop output remains strong, it can also support the income of farming households and businesses that depend on agriculture.
The latest increase in discharge comes as authorities continue to balance irrigation needs with the water available in the reservoir. On Sunday evening, the Mettur Dam had a water level of 92.39 feet, while inflow was around 9,709 cusecs and storage was estimated at 55.35 TMC.
Since the current release is higher than the inflow, future rainfall and water inflows will be important in deciding how long the higher discharge can be maintained. Officials are expected to continue monitoring the reservoir level, storage and irrigation demand before making further changes.
For now, the increased release offers relief to farmers across the Cauvery delta and provides a boost to preparations for the samba paddy crop. A successful cultivation season could also support the wider rural economy through higher farm activity, employment and demand for agriculture-related goods and services.