The North-East Monsoon has intensified across Tamil Nadu, bringing widespread rainfall since its onset on October 16. As a result, water levels in major reservoirs have risen sharply, with the Poondi Sathyamoorthy Reservoir—one of Chennai’s key drinking water sources—now nearing its full capacity.Due to persistent heavy showers over Chennai and its suburbs, both the Poondi and Chembarambakkam lakes have recorded a rapid increase in storage.
Officials reported that water inflow into the Poondi Reservoir has surged to 2,510 cubic feet per second. With the lake’s total capacity set at 35 feet, the water level has now crossed 33 feet, indicating it is close to overflowing.
The steady rainfall in the lake’s catchment areas continues to replenish the reservoirs supplying Chennai, ensuring sufficient drinking water for the coming months. However, authorities remain alert to manage water release if the rains persist, to prevent flooding in downstream areas.