Mettur Dam Water Level Issue & Latest Update

PWOnlyIAS August 05, 2024 07:04 3756 0

The Mettur Dam water level is expected to remain steady in the coming days. Currently, the dam's water level is at 120 feet, with a capacity of 93.63 TMC. Check out all the latest updates on the Mettur Dam water level issue.

Mettur Dam Water Level Issue & Latest Update

Mettur Dam Water Level Issue: Karnataka has released water to Tamil Nadu, significantly impacting the Mettur Dam’s water level. The dam’s level rose from 40 feet on July 10 to 100 feet by July 29, 2024, and reached its full capacity of 120 feet shortly after. Currently, the water level remains at 120 feet with a capacity of 93.63 TMC. The inflow is 73,330 cubic feet per second, and the outflow is 70,000 cubic feet per second, with these rates expected to remain steady. Now, the Cauvery Delta is receiving continuous water release for irrigation.

Mettur Dam Water Level Issue Current Situation

The Mettur Dam, crucial for irrigation and water supply in Tamil Nadu, has recently reported a significant rise in water levels. This increase is due to heavy rainfall in the Cauvery catchment areas and the subsequent release of water from upstream dams in Karnataka. Here is the current water level in Mettur dam::

  • Water Level: As of the latest reports of the Mettur Dam water level today, the water level in the Mettur Dam has risen to approximately 103.7 feet, nearing its full capacity of 120 feet.
  • Inflows: The dam is currently receiving an inflow of 1.23 lakh cusecs, with the total storage reaching nearly 70 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet) against its full capacity of 93.47 TMC.
  • Outflows: Initially, 12,000 cusecs of water have been released to facilitate irrigation, with plans to increase this amount based on continuous monitoring of the inflow and storage levels.

Also Read: List Of Major Dams In India

Key Details About Mettur Dam

Mettur Dam on which river is one of the frequently asked questions. The Mettur Dam is constructed across the Cauvery River, one of the major rivers in Southern India. The dam plays a vital role in the regulation of water for irrigation and drinking purposes for several districts in Tamil Nadu. If you are wondering what is the capacity of Mettur Dam in TMC today, check here:

Mettur Dam capacity: The Mettur Dam has a full reservoir level (FRL) of 120 feet and a total storage Mettur Dam capacity of 93.4 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet). This capacity is essential for sustaining agriculture and meeting the water demands of the region.

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Actions Taken Against Mettur Dam Water Level Issue

The Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, has decided to open the Mettur Dam to support Kuruvai paddy cultivation. This decision came after a high-level review meeting on Cauvery water management. Authorities have issued flood alerts to residents in downstream areas as a precautionary measure.

Also Read: An Overview Of Dam Safety In India

Mettur Dam Dispute and the Cauvery Pact

The Mettur Dam, situated on the Cauvery River in Tamil Nadu, is central to a longstanding water-sharing dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. This conflict primarily revolves around the allocation of Cauvery River water, essential for agriculture, drinking water, and industrial use in both states.

Key Points of the Cauvery Dispute

  • Historical Agreements: The 1892 and 1924 agreements between the Madras Presidency and the princely state of Mysore set the stage for the current dispute.
  • Tribunal Award: The Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal’s 2007 award allocated 419 TMC to Tamil Nadu and 270 TMC to Karnataka among other distributions.
  • Monitoring: The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) oversee compliance.

Recent 

  • Water Level Increase: In July 2024, heavy rains raised Mettur Dam’s water level to 109.20 feet (77.30 TMC), prompting the release of 12,000 cusecs of water for Kuruvai crop irrigation​.
  • Flood Alerts: Authorities issued flood alerts to downstream areas to manage the increased water flow and mitigate flood risks​.

Mettur Dam and Cauvery Pact
Aspect Details
Location Mettur, Tamil Nadu, India
River Cauvery River
Full Reservoir Level (FRL) 120 feet
Total Capacity 93.63 TMC
Tribunal Award (2007) Tamil Nadu: 419 TMC, Karnataka: 270 TMC, Kerala: 30 TMC, Puducherry: 7 TMC
Recent Inflow (Aug 2024) 70,000 cusecs
Initial Release (July 2024) 20,000 cusecs
Main Uses Irrigation, Drinking Water, Hydroelectric Power
Monitoring Bodies CWMA, CWRC

Implications

The rise in water levels is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it brings much-needed relief to farmers, ensuring adequate water supply for irrigation. On the other hand, it necessitates vigilant management to prevent flooding in the delta regions. The government has also desilted canals and prepared lakes to maximize the benefits of the released water.

This situation highlights the importance of effective water management and inter-state cooperation, particularly in regions dependent on river water-sharing agreements.

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The Mettur Dam water level issue is a critical concern for Tamil Nadu, impacting agriculture, water supply, and power generation. Continuous monitoring and effective water management strategies are essential to mitigate the adverse effects of fluctuating water levels. Understanding the complexities of this issue helps in appreciating the broader challenges and potential solutions for sustainable water management in the region.

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FAQs On Mettur Dam Water Level Issue

The Mettur Dam is constructed across the Cauvery River.

The water level in Mettur Dam has increased to 20,000 cusecs and the dam reaches 117ft.

The Mettur Dam has a total storage capacity of 93.4 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet).

Water levels in the Mettur Dam are crucial for irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydroelectric power generation, affecting the regional economy and livelihood.

The main factors include monsoon rainfall, upstream water release agreements, and local water usage for agriculture and domestic purposes.
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