Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Mettur Dam Nears 87 Feet, Raising Hopes for Delta Irrigation
The Mettur dam stores water used by farmers in the Cauvery delta.
This year, there was not enough water to open the dam for kuruvai farming on June 12.
Many crops have started drying because they lack irrigation water.
Recently, more water has flowed into the dam from the Cauvery.
The reservoir is now almost 87 feet deep.
Officials think it could reach 90 feet in the next few days if the flow continues.
After that, they may decide whether to release water for farmers.
They will also consider future water supplies and how urgently crops need help.
Cauvery inflows have lifted Mettur dam’s water level to 86.83 feet and near the 87-foot mark.
Inflow has risen to 13,538 cusecs, while 2,000 cusecs are being released for drinking water.
Officials expect the reservoir could reach 90 feet in the coming days if inflows remain steady.
Water may be released for delta irrigation after the level crosses 90 feet, subject to further review.
Delayed irrigation has left kuruvai crops facing moisture stress across parts of the Cauvery delta.
- Who
- Water Resources Department officials, delta farmers, and authorities managing releases from Karnataka reservoirs.
- What
- Mettur dam’s rising water level has raised the possibility of releasing water for Cauvery delta irrigation.
- When
- The reservoir stood at 86.83 feet on Sunday evening and is now nearing 87 feet; officials expect 90 feet in the coming days if inflows continue.
- Where
- Mettur dam and the Cauvery delta in Tamil Nadu, with inflows linked to Karnataka reservoirs.
- Why
- Increased Cauvery inflows are raising storage, while delayed irrigation has left kuruvai crops facing moisture stress.
Case for Irrigation Release
Reasons for Caution
Rising storage
Case for Irrigation Release
The inflow of 13,538 cusecs is substantially higher than the 2,000-cusec outflow, helping the reservoir level rise toward 90 feet.
Reasons for Caution
Officials said stable inflows over several more days are essential before a release can be considered.
Crop protection
Case for Irrigation Release
Farmers hope a sustained rise will restore irrigation supplies and prevent more widespread damage to standing crops.
Reasons for Caution
Any release must be weighed against available storage, continued supplies from Karnataka, and immediate irrigation requirements.
Decision point
Case for Irrigation Release
Reaching 90 feet could create favourable conditions for opening the dam for delta irrigation.
Reasons for Caution
The government is expected to review the situation at 90 feet, but reaching that level does not automatically guarantee a release.
- Current reservoir level
- 86.83 feet on Sunday evening, now approaching 87 feet
- Current inflow
- 13,538 cubic feet per second
- Current outflow
- 2,000 cubic feet per second for drinking-water requirements
- Possible threshold
- Officials may consider irrigation releases after the level crosses 90 feet
- Affected cultivation
- Kuruvai farming in Cauvery delta districts
- Normal opening date
- June 12 in normal years
- Main constraint
- The decision will depend on storage, supplies from Karnataka, and farmers’ immediate irrigation needs