The Tamil Nadu Government has decided to release water from the Mettur Dam for Cauvery Delta irrigation for 45 days from September 1.
Due to inadequate inflow from Karnataka reservoirs and the need to maintain the minimum storage level of 10 TMC in the Mettur Dam, continuous water release for Delta irrigation had not been possible. However, the required quantity of water has continued to be released from the dam to meet essential drinking water requirements.
In this situation, the Tamil Nadu Government has decided to release water from the Mettur Dam for 45 days from September 1. Chief Minister Vijay is scheduled to open the dam for Delta irrigation on September 1.
Ahead of the water release, the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department has been instructed to make all necessary arrangements to immediately begin irrigation activities in the Cauvery Delta districts.
Farmers have been advised to use the available water judiciously and in a planned manner and undertake cultivation activities in consultation with the Agriculture Department.
The District Collectors and officials of the Water Resources and Agriculture departments have been instructed to work in coordination to ensure that water reaches the tail-end areas through rotational irrigation.
They have also been directed to ensure that every available drop of water provides maximum irrigation benefit and helps achieve higher crop yields through efficient water management.
