Mettur Dam Reopens to Support Delta Farmers After Closure Sparks Distress
In response to persistent demands from the agricultural community, the Mettur dam has recommenced discharging approximately 2,000 cusecs of Cauvery water on a regular basis. This action follows the dam's closure on January 28, which had left thousands of farmers in the Cauvery delta region anxious about their ongoing harvests. The water is now being strategically utilized to irrigate the remaining samba and thaladi paddy crops, providing much-needed relief to cultivators who faced potential crop losses.
Farmers' Appeals Lead to Water Release Extension
The decision to reopen the dam gates came after farmers expressed significant distress over the standard January 28 closure date. Many required an additional four to six weeks to complete harvesting their paddy crops, leading to urgent appeals to district administrations and the water resources department. Since Wednesday, the released water has been distributed rotationally at the historic Grand Anicut, also known as Kallanai, ensuring equitable access across the region.
K Anbuchezhiyan, a 59-year-old farmer from Veppencheri in Nagapattinam district, who cultivates 30 acres of thaladi paddy, shared his relief but emphasized the need for continuity. "I began my cultivation 50 days ago and need another 60 days to harvest. So, I require irrigation for at least three to four more weeks to ensure a successful yield," he stated, highlighting the critical timing of water availability for crop sustainability.
Current Reservoir Levels and Water Distribution
The Stanley reservoir at Mettur dam currently holds water at a level of 92.4 feet, compared to its maximum capacity of 120 feet. Storage is recorded at 55.2 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) out of a full capacity of 93.4 tmcft, with an inflow of 220 cusecs. At Grand Anicut downstream, the received Cauvery water is being allocated as follows: 405 cusecs into the Cauvery river, 1,008 cusecs into the Vennar river, and 100 cusecs into the Grand Anicut canal.
However, V. Dhanabalan, leader of the Kaviri Vivasayigal Paathukaapu Sangam, argues that the current release from Mettur and Grand Anicut is insufficient. "Farmers in Nagapattinam and Tiruvarur districts depend heavily on river water for irrigation due to poor groundwater availability. More water should be directed into the Vennar river at Grand Anicut to meet the extensive agricultural needs," he asserted, pointing to the ongoing challenges in water resource management.
Agricultural Impact and Official Response
During the 2025-26 season, approximately five lakh hectares of samba and thaladi crops were sown in the Cauvery delta, underscoring the region's reliance on consistent water supply for food security. Officials from the water resources department have indicated that water release from Mettur dam is likely to continue until the end of February. "Water will be distributed in turns at Grand Anicut based on farmers' requirements to optimize usage and support agricultural activities," an official explained, ensuring a structured approach to irrigation management.
This development not only addresses immediate farmer concerns but also highlights the broader issues of water allocation and agricultural sustainability in Tamil Nadu's key paddy-growing areas.
