Chennai: After nearly five years, the shutters of Chembarambakam reservoir will be opened at 12 noon today as a precautionary measure to prevent inundation.
According to officials, residents need not fear flooding in the Adyar, as water release will be minimal. The lake is now 79 per cent full. The storage level stands at 2,913 mcft as against its total capacity of 3,645 mcft.
According to a PWD official, “Though it has been raining very heavily in Chennai, the catchment areas of Chembarambakkam did not receive much rainfall. Its depth now stands at 21.2 feet and we will release some water only after it reaches 22 feet.’
Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has issued orders to release the water for the safety of the public as soon as it crosses 22 feet.
He said: “Full capacity is 24 feet. As of now, the meteorological department says rains would be there only for another two days. When there is continuous rain, surplus water has to be evacuated. But the decision on releasing water depends on the quantum of rainfall in the coming days.”