Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Mettur Dam Level Falls as Delta Farmers Await Water
Mettur dam supplies water to many farms in the Cauvery delta.
On Sunday, less water was entering the dam than was being released.
The dam received 1,488 units of water per second but released 12,400 units per second.
Because of this difference, the dam’s water level fell to 80.52 feet.
Many farmers still say enough water has not reached their canals and fields.
They need dependable water to plant samba paddy safely.
The dam opened for irrigation on September 1, later than the usual June 12 date.
Water releases from the Grand Anicut system began on September 6.
Farmers are worried that waiting longer could make it difficult to complete the crop in time.
Mettur dam’s water level fell to 80.52 feet on Sunday as irrigation releases exceeded inflow.
Inflow declined to 1,488 cusecs, while 12,400 cusecs was released for delta irrigation.
Reservoir storage stood at 42.47 thousand-million cubic feet, increasing concerns about sustained water availability.
Farmers said water had not adequately reached several canals and tail-end fields nearly four weeks after the dam opened.
The delayed opening has shortened the schedule for preparing land, raising nurseries and transplanting samba paddy.
- Who
- Cauvery delta farmers and irrigation authorities managing releases from Mettur dam and the canal systems.
- What
- Mettur dam’s level fell as irrigation releases greatly exceeded inflow, while farmers waited for sufficient water to plant samba paddy.
- When
- On Sunday; the dam opened on September 1, and Grand Anicut releases began on September 6.
- Where
- Mettur dam and the Cauvery delta, including canals and tail-end farming areas.
- Why
- The reservoir is receiving less water than it is releasing, while the delayed opening and uneven canal supply have postponed cultivation.
- Dam level
- 80.52 feet on Sunday
- Inflow
- 1,488 cubic feet per second
- Irrigation release
- 12,400 cubic feet per second
- Reservoir storage
- 42.47 thousand-million cubic feet
- Mettur opening
- September 1, instead of the customary June 12
- Grand Anicut releases
- Began September 6
- Affected crop
- Samba paddy