Cauvery flood water pumping scheme to refill lakes inaugurated at Salem

In a significant move to address water scarcity, the District Collector of Salem, Dr. R. Brindha Devi, today inaugurated the pumping of surplus Cauvery floodwater from the Mettur Dam to various lakes. The inauguration took place at the Thippampatti Pumping Station, where electric motors will be used to distribute the water.
With the Mettur Dam reaching its full capacity of 120 feet, the Tamil Nadu government, under the directive of the Chief Minister, ordered the commencement of the lift irrigation scheme to provide water to the dry lakes in the Sarabanga Basin of Salem district. The project, valued at Rs. 673.88 crore, aims to transfer surplus water through the Thippampatti main pumping station, Vellalapuram sub-pumping station, and Kannanderi sub-pumping station to 82 lakes and ponds. The initiative is expected to irrigate 4,061.16 acres of land and provide drinking water facilities. 
The current phase began with filling 56 lakes, including those in M. Kalipatti. Local farmers and members of the public warmly welcomed the event with floral sprinkling, highlighting the scheme's importance for both agricultural use and drinking water supply.
The event saw the attendance of notable figures, including Salem North MLA Mr. R. Rajendran, Mettur MLA Mr. S. Sadasivam, Mettur Sub-Collector Mrs. N. Ponmani, Chief Engineer of the Trichy Water Resources Department Mr. Dayalakumar, Upper Cauvery Basin Division Monitoring Engineer Mr. Ramalingam, and Sarabanga Basin Division Executive Engineer Mr. Anandan, alongside other government officials and local body representatives.