Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Vijay Opens Mettur Dam Amid Delayed Cauvery Delta Irrigation
Tamil Nadu opened the Mettur dam to send water to farms in the Cauvery delta.
The opening happened much later than usual because there was not enough rain and the dam did not have enough stored water.
The normal opening date is June 12.
Because of the delay, many farmers could not grow much of the short-season Kuruvai rice crop.
Officials hope the water will help farmers grow the longer Samba rice crop.
The government plans to release water for 45 days, but the amount may change as water supplies change.
Some farmers wanted the water released immediately, while others thought waiting could have allowed the dam to fill more.
Tamil Nadu says Karnataka has not supplied all the Cauvery water it owes, but Karnataka says it has released more than required.
The Supreme Court of India will consider the dispute again on September 15.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay opened the Stanley Reservoir gates at Mettur on Tuesday for Cauvery delta irrigation.
The release began on September 1, about 80 days after the customary June 12 opening, because of inadequate rainfall and low storage.
Officials initially planned to release 3,000 cusecs, increasing it to 7,000 cusecs, for 45 days subject to inflows and irrigation needs.
The water is expected to mainly support Samba paddy cultivation, while large areas lost the opportunity to grow the shorter Kuruvai crop.
Tamil Nadu and Karnataka remain divided over Cauvery releases, with the Supreme Court of India scheduled to hear the case again on September 15.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay opened the reservoir; Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are parties to the water-sharing dispute.
- What
- Water was released from the Stanley Reservoir for Cauvery delta irrigation, primarily to support Samba cultivation.
- When
- The gates opened on Tuesday, September 1, after an approximately 80-day delay; the next Supreme Court hearing is scheduled for September 15.
- Where
- At the Stanley Reservoir in Mettur, Salem district, Tamil Nadu, with water flowing toward the Cauvery delta.
- Why
- To provide irrigation after deficient rainfall and low storage, and to help farmers raise the Samba crop.
Tamil Nadu Government and Supporting Farmers
Karnataka Government and Cautious Farmers
Cauvery water compliance
Tamil Nadu Government and Supporting Farmers
Tamil Nadu says Karnataka has failed to clear an accumulated shortfall and comply with the prescribed sharing arrangement, including during distress years.
Karnataka Government and Cautious Farmers
Karnataka disputes the allegation and says it has released more than the stipulated quantity, including 9,888 cusecs on August 30 against a required 9,000 cusecs.
Timing of the release
Tamil Nadu Government and Supporting Farmers
The government and farmer representatives say releasing water immediately is necessary to support Samba cultivation before the peak monsoon and prevent further losses.
Karnataka Government and Cautious Farmers
A section of farmers believes the release could have been delayed until Mettur storage improved further and the decision was discussed with farmers.
Mekedatu reservoir
Tamil Nadu Government and Supporting Farmers
Tamil Nadu opposes Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu reservoir and says it cannot proceed without the lower-riparian state's consent.
Karnataka Government and Cautious Farmers
Karnataka has proposed the Mekedatu project; the articles do not provide its response to Tamil Nadu's objection.
- Planned release period
- Initially 45 days, through October 15, subject to water availability and irrigation requirements.
- Traditional opening date
- June 12.
- Reservoir level
- 91.56 feet against a full level of 120 feet on Tuesday morning.
- Stored water
- 54.45 thousand million cubic feet against total capacity of 93.47 thousand million cubic feet.
- Initial discharge
- 3,000 cusecs, planned to increase to 7,000 cusecs by Tuesday evening.
- Expected agricultural benefit
- More than four lakh hectares are expected to benefit, primarily through Samba cultivation; another report cites 16.05 lakh acres across 12 districts.
- Tamil Nadu's water claim
- Tamil Nadu said 107 TMC of its due Cauvery water remained pending as of August 27, while Karnataka had released 49 TMC.
- Next Supreme Court hearing
- September 15.
