Vijay Opens Mettur Dam, Releases Cauvery Water for Irrigation

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay opened the gates of the Mettur Dam, also called the Stanley Reservoir.

This allowed Cauvery River water to flow toward farms in about 12 delta districts.

Thanjavur is one of the main farming areas that will receive the water.

It was Vijay’s first time opening the dam since becoming chief minister.

The ceremony included Cabinet ministers, farmers and government officials.

Vijay wore a green shawl, met farmers and travelled to Mettur after arriving from Chennai.

The government said the release was needed because rainfall was low and the reservoir did not have as much water as usual.

Officials will monitor the water and ask farmers to use it carefully for their crops.