The Pillur dam has reached its full capacity due to heavy rainfall in the catchment areas, including the Nilgiris and Kerala hill forests. The water level in the dam has crossed 97 feet out of a total height of 100 feet. Currently, the dam is releasing 20,000 cubic feet per second of surplus water into the Bhavani River. As a result, the district administration has issued a flood warning to the residents of Mettupalayam and Sirumugai areas, advising them to stay safe and avoid crossing the river.
The Pillur dam was previously filled and overflowed for five consecutive days starting on July 16. The sluices were closed on the evening of July 21 as the inflow to the dam decreased, and water was only released for hydropower generation. Now, with the dam full again, precautions are being taken to manage the increased water flow and ensure public safety.