Chennai, Aug 26:
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is expected to open the Mettur Dam for irrigation on August 28, ending a nearly 70-day wait for Cauvery delta farmers who have been awaiting water for Kuruvai cultivation.
Water is traditionally released from the Stanley Reservoir on June 12 every year to support agricultural operations in the delta. However, the release was delayed this year due to low storage levels, leaving farmers anxious about the progress of cultivation.
The water level in the Mettur Dam has been steadily rising following increased inflows. As of August 25, the reservoir stood at 88.43 feet and was receiving an inflow of 10,807 cubic feet per second. The level is expected to touch the 90-foot mark, considered sufficient for opening the dam for irrigation, in the next few days.
The release of water is expected to benefit around 16 lakh acres of agricultural land across 13 districts, including Salem, Namakkal, Erode, Karur, Tiruchy and Thanjavur.