Mettuur Dam delay hampers irrigation for Tamil Nadu's Cauvery delta

The Mettuur Dam in Tamil Nadu, which normally opens on June 12 to supply water to the Cauvery delta, remained closed because the reservoir level fell to 79.62 ft, well below the 90 ft threshold needed for release. The dam's total capacity is 93.47 TMC, but only about half of that volume is available, prompting concerns among farmers in 12 delta districts.

Lack of water threatens the upcoming minor (kuruvai) paddy sowing season for hundreds of thousands of cultivators. In protest, farmers in Nagai placed flower garlands at the dam gate, while others demanded emergency power supplies. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Vijay announced a special irrigation package worth roughly ₹13,453 crore to support minor irrigation in the region.

The water shortage stems from insufficient rainfall in the preceding monsoon and the low inflow into the Cauvery's tributaries, raising fears that the dam may not fill until August.