Following heavy rains in the neighbouring states of Kerala and Karnataka, the Centre has issued an advisory to Tamil Nadu, informing about discharge of water planned to the state. The note on Thursday addressed to Collectors of six districts directs authorities to take precautionary measures when water is released into the Mettur dam.
The Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation issued the advisory to Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Erode, Trichy and Tanjavur Collectors. The advisory reads, “In view of heavy rains in Karnataka and Kerala, there is likelihood of heavy release of water from Kabani dam and Krishna Raja Sagar Dam. The combined discharge (more than 1 lakh cusecs) is expected to reach Mettur Dam within two days. Suitable precautionary steps may be taken and downstream areas informed of the release.”
The Mettur dam located across the Cauvery basin has already seen an increase in inflow this year following release of water from Karnataka reservoirs. Warnings have been issued in Salem district, advising people living in low lying areas to move to places of safety along with their belongings and cattle. In Dharmapuri, August 3 was declared a holiday, so that elaborate arrangements could be made to ensure safety of people.
"There is no need to worry about this fresh inflow of water," says Salem Collector Rohini R Bhajibhakare. "The width of the river here is such that it can carry even four lakh cusecs of water without flooding. We have followed standard operating procedure. 16 villages have been informed that lie closer to the river. We have specially carried out awareness campaigns for the youth who may be enthusiastic about going towards the water or taking selfies. I am in contact with all the other district collectors as well," she adds.
Kerala, meanwhile, has been hit by heavy rains following which triggered landslides and floods in different areas of the state. Twenty two people have been killed in the rains since Wednesday.
Educational institutions including professional colleges in the Wayanad, Kollam, Palakkad, Kozhikode districts and Aluva remained shut on Thursday following the heavy rains. Many districts are inundated with water entering houses and marooning colonies. It has been continuously raining in Wayanad and Palakkad for more than a day. The shutters of 23 dams have been opened in Kerala owing to the heavy downpour.