Mettur Dam's Opening for Irrigation on June 12 Unlikely Due to Low Water Levels
Mettur dam may not be opened for irrigation on June 12
The Hindu
Image: The Hindu
The Mettur dam in Tamil Nadu is unlikely to open for irrigation on June 12 due to insufficient water storage and a forecast of below-average monsoon rainfall. Current storage is only 41 tmcft, far below the dam's capacity of 93.47 tmcft, raising concerns for the upcoming kuruvai cultivation season.
- 01Current storage at Mettur dam is about 41 tmcft, less than 50% of its capacity of 93.47 tmcft.
- 02The India Meteorological Department predicts a delayed monsoon with rainfall expected at only 90% of the long-term average.
- 03Farmers may only achieve coverage of 2.5 lakh acres during the kuruvai season, compared to the usual 4.4 lakh acres.
- 04An assistance package for farmers is under consideration to support paddy cultivation.
- 05Agricultural experts advise farmers to sow pulses by mid-June to avoid crop damage from potential adverse weather.
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The Mettur dam, crucial for irrigation in Tamil Nadu, is unlikely to be opened on the scheduled date of June 12 due to poor water storage levels and a forecast of a below-average southwest monsoon. As of May 30, the dam's storage was approximately 41 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft), significantly below its capacity of 93.47 tmcft. The India Meteorological Department has predicted a delayed monsoon, with rainfall expected to be only 90% of the long-term average. This situation raises concerns for the upcoming kuruvai cultivation season, as farmers may only be able to irrigate 2.5 lakh acres, compared to the typical 4.4 lakh acres. The government is considering an assistance package to support farmers and may encourage the cultivation of pulses instead of traditional crops. Experts recommend that farmers complete sowing for pulses by the second week of June to mitigate risks of crop damage later in the monsoon season.
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The low water levels at Mettur dam could severely limit irrigation for farmers in Tamil Nadu, affecting crop yields and agricultural income.
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