Mettur Dam water levels fall, impacting Samba paddy planting

The water level at the Mettur Dam in Tamil Nadu has dropped to 80.52 feet, causing significant concern for farmers in the Kaveri Delta. The current rate of water being released for irrigation, approximately 12,400 cusecs, is more than eight times the amount of water flowing into the dam, which has decreased to 1,488 cusecs.

Farmers are waiting for sufficient water to reach their fields to begin planting Samba paddy. Despite water being released through the Grand Anicut, Kaveri, Vennar, and Kollidam systems since early September, many farmers report that water has not yet reached tail-end areas.

The delay in the dam opening—which occurred on September 1 this year compared to the usual June 12—has already reduced the time available for land preparation and nursery planting. Farmers fear that if they begin planting without a guaranteed continuous water supply, their crops may fail if canals run dry.