Trichy: The Mettur dam, traditionally opened on June 12 for irrigating kuruvai cultivation in the delta districts, will be opened soon, agriculture minister R Vinoth told reporters near Kumbakonam on Saturday. He also confirmed that the state government will continue to present a separate agriculture budget.
Desilting and water hyacinth removal inspected
Vinoth inspected the commencement of desilting works by the agricultural engineering department in several C and irrigation channels in Kumbakonam, as well as the progress of water hyacinth removal in A and B waterways. He instructed officials to complete these works on time to ensure proper distribution of Cauvery waters.
Current dam status and farmer concerns
As of June 6, the Mettur dam’s water level stood at 79.840 feet out of a maximum height of 120 feet, with a capacity of 41.797 tmcft out of a maximum of 93.4 tmcft. The dam receives an inflow of 759 cusecs of Cauvery water. Farmers are concerned whether the Stanley Reservoir will be opened on June 12 due to its low water level and storage capacity.
