Moderate rain fails to increase storage in Chennai metro lakes

Chennai: Even as Chennai region received moderate rain in the last two days, there was no raise in the water storage in Chennai metro water lakes leaving Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) board officials disappointed.

However, officials maintained that since Tiruvallur district recorded moderate to heavy rains, lakes like Poondi and Chembarambakkam are receiving inflow and this would help raise storage in these lakes.

Ever since northeast monsoon set in, rain had continuously been eluding Chennai. 

Even cyclone Gaja, which battered Delta and South districts with rain, missed Chennai without giving a single drop of water. Next came hope, as weathermen predicted new-low pressure and indicated that Northern parts including Chennai region would get considerable rainfall.

However, rain in Chennai city and suburbs were low with some parts received moderate rain in the last three days. It was Tiruvallur district, which recorded moderate rain.

“Chennai city does not receive much rain, but areas like Cholavaram and catchment areas of Chembarambakkam and Poondi reservoirs have experienced good rainfall. There has been steady inflow to these lakes and we are hoping that such inflow would raise storage level in a next few days,” said an official, CMWSSB, wishing anonymity. There were closely monitoring the storage level, he noted.

“All the four lakes-Poondi, Cholavaram, RedHills and Chembarambakkam has started receiving inflow from Friday and the exact storage capacity would come to know in the next couple of days,” said an official from Public Works Department (WRD).

Meanwhile, water managers are expecting another weather system. “The fact remains that almost half the northeast monsoon season is over, but water storage has not raised due to poor rainfall in Chennai region. However, we never lose hope for rain,” said the official.

Kanchi district Receives Moderate Rains It appears, Kanchipuram district has received moderate rains. 

According to district administration, the district has a total number of 909 water bodies coming under PWD control. 

“Out of 909 water bodies, 43 water bodies including lakes have been brimming to their capacity, while 52 lakes have 75 percent of water storage. About 179 water bodies have less than 50 percent of water storage,” the administration officials said and added that remaining 635 dried water bodies have been receiving inflow after rain.