Relief for farmers: Mullaperiyar Dam releases water for over 14,000 acres in Tamil Nadu

Chennai: Theni District Collector Ranjith Singh on Sunday officially commenced the release of water from the Mullaperiyar reservoir at Thekkadi for both irrigation and drinking water purposes, following directives from the Tamil Nadu government.

The release signals the beginning of the irrigation season in the double-crop region of Cumbum Valley.

Water allocation for irrigation and domestic use

According to the Water Resources Department (WRD), 200 cusecs of water will be released daily for irrigation, while 100 cusecs will be allocated for the drinking water needs of Theni district residents. This arrangement is expected to continue for 120 days, subject to the reservoir’s storage levels.

Approximately 14,707 acres of agricultural land across the taluks of Theni, Uthamapalayam, and Bodi are expected to benefit from this release.

Appeal for judicious water use

Collector Ranjith Singh urged farmers to use the water judiciously and focus on enhancing both productivity and yield during the cultivation season.

"This is a crucial period for our farmers. With the early onset of the southwest monsoon and favourable water levels, we hope to support their efforts with timely and adequate irrigation. I request all farmers to make optimal use of the water and practise sustainable farming methods," the Collector said.

Early monsoon boosts reservoir levels

The timely release has brought cheer to the farming community, especially with the early arrival of the southwest monsoon in Kerala.

Widespread rainfall in the southern Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu has replenished the Mullaperiyar reservoir. WRD officials noted that the water level rose from 114 feet on 23 May to 130.15 feet by 31 May — an increase of over 16 feet in just one week.

The full permissible level of the reservoir is 142 feet. With continued rainfall forecasted in the catchment areas, officials expressed confidence in maintaining the water release schedule without disruption.

Officials and farmers attend ceremony

The formal water release ceremony at Thekkadi was attended by Uthamapalayam Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) Syed Mohamed, Executive Engineer Selvam, and several representatives from local farmers’ associations.

Officials reiterated that, given the favourable monsoon conditions and increasing inflow into the reservoir, the district administration is optimistic about ensuring an uninterrupted water supply for agricultural and domestic use throughout the season.

IANS inputs