Tamil Nadu is facing a potential water crisis, with current water levels in major irrigation reservoirs standing at approximately one-third of their combined capacity. This contrasts sharply with the same period last year, when reservoir storage was around 92%.
The state’s largest dam, Mettur, holds about 23 tmcft, which authorities state is insufficient for sustained water release to farmers in the Cauvery delta beyond a week. While rainfall has been moderate, with 240 mm received against an anticipated 236 mm, at least 260 mm more is needed, primarily in November, to reach a comfortable level.
Despite water availability concerns and predictions of subdued rainfall, farmers have cultivated paddy across approximately 3.62 lakh hectares. A significant portion of this cultivation, nearly 50%, utilizes a direct sowing method, typically adopted during water shortages. However, paddy coverage in non-delta areas has decreased by about 1.3 lakh hectares compared to the previous year.
In related developments, the State government has requested Karnataka to release around 20.7 tmcft of water, including a backlog. The Cauvery Water Management Authority, however, approved a recommendation for Karnataka to release 3.88 tmcft over 15 days.
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Source: thehindu.com
