Third flood warning issued for southern districts of Tamil Nadu

Southern TN districts warned of flood as Vaigai dam water level reaches 69 ft. Inflow reduced, officials trying to build storage. People living near banks cautioned to move away. Water release planned for 45,000 acres of ayacut. Farmers of Single Crop Area to agitate for water release. Vaiko appeals to TN govt. to release water for Tirumangalam Main Canal.

The third and final flood warning has been issued for five southern districts after water level in Vaigai dam touched 69 feet (full reservoir level 71 ft) at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, November 8, 2023.

However, with the dam getting a dwindled inflow of 2,659 cusecs, the Water Resources Department officials have not begun discharge of water into the Vaigai river.

“As the inflow has come down since yesterday afternoon, we are trying to build the storage to the maximum possible level. However, if the inflow surges suddenly, water would be released through the river,” an official said.

People living along the banks of Vaigai in Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram districts have been cautioned against getting closer to the river and to move away from the river.

An engineer said during North East monsoon, the officials can allow water to rise upto beyond 71 feet if the weather condition is not threatening.

WRO officials have planned for water release for irrigating 45,000 acres of ayacut in Double Crop Area between Peranai in Dindigul district and Kallandiri in Madurai district, on November 10.

“When water is released for irrigation, the pressure on the dam will be eased and the additional storage will come handy for irrigation,” he added.