Archive · 29 Jul 2025
Tamil Nadu Farmers Seek Early Dam Water Release
Imagine two big water tanks, Periyar and Vaigai dams, are almost full because of heavy rain.
Farmers in the area want the water let out early.
They want the water to go into canals and local tanks, instead of just flowing away, so they can use it to help their crops grow later on.
If the water isn't let out in time, it could overflow and go to the sea without helping anyone.
The farmers have asked the government to open the water gates to help with this issue.
Farmers in the Madurai region urge early water release from Periyar and Vaigai dams.
Periyar Dam is at 135 feet, nearing the 137.5-foot limit, with significant inflow.
Vaigai Dam is at 66.6 feet, approaching its 71-foot capacity, also with high inflow.
Officials issued a first-stage flood warning for both dams due to the consistent rainfall.
Farmers want water released to fill tanks, recharge groundwater, and avoid flood discharge.
- Who
- Farmers and Water Resources Department officials.
- What
- Farmers are requesting the early release of water from Periyar and Vaigai dams.
- When
- As of Monday, with the dams nearing full capacity.
- Where
- Madurai region, Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- To fill irrigation tanks, recharge groundwater, and prevent water from being wasted as flood discharge.
- Periyar Dam Water Level
- Over 135 feet
- Periyar Dam Limit
- 137.5 feet
- Periyar Dam Inflow
- 3,639 cusecs
- Vaigai Dam Water Level
- 66.6 feet
- Vaigai Dam Capacity
- 71 feet
- Vaigai Dam Inflow
- 1,989 cusecs
- Reason for Request
- Filling irrigation tanks and recharging groundwater