Mettur dam inching to its full level as inflows jump
Water level in dam has shot up to 116.02 feet.
SALEM: The prospects of Mettur reservoir touching its full level of 120-feet for the first time this year increased as inflows from upper riparian Karnataka has dramatically jumped from 15,000 cusecs to 26,000 cusecs on Thursday evening. As a result the water level in the dam has shot up to 116.02-feet.
The Mettur dam is likely to surplus in the next few days with PWD officials expecting even further dramatic rise in inflows in the wake of exceptionally heave discharge of 52,800 cusecs from Karnataka’s reservoirs following renewed rainfall in the Cauvery's catchment areas in that State. The huge additional discharge is expected to reach Mettur reservoir by Friday night, PWD sources said.
The total storage in volume terms in the Mettur reservoir has also increased to 87.263 tmcft by Thursday evening, sources said, adding, the district administration is taking steps to meet the emerging situation. People living in low-lying areas along the Cauvery have been put on high alert to be moved to safer places by Friday.
It is splendid to behold the sea-like vast water spread at Mettur reservoir, thanks to the fresh, voluminous discharge of surplus waters from Karnataka’s dams.