Water was released from the Vaigai dam on Wednesday to meet the irrigation needs of the farmers in Ramanathapuram district. About 3,000 cusecs were released in the morning.
Following the release of water, the Public Works Department has cautioned the people of Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram districts and asked them not to enter the Vaigai river.
The water level in Vaigai and Mullaperiyar dams has risen significantly following the rains in Theni district. The water level in Vaigai dam had reached close to 64 feet. Water was already being released from the Vaigai dam to the region. About 900 cusecs were released for irrigation of crops in Madurai and Dindigul districts.
Under these circumstances, the farmers requested the government to release the water to the irrigation areas in Ramanathapuram district. As there was already sufficient water in the Vaigai dam, the government ordered the release of water from the Vaigai dam to Ramanathapuram district.
A total of 1,251 mcft will be released till July 1. The Public Works Department said that the 3,000 cusecs currently released will be gradually reduced in the coming days and the release of water to Ramanathapuram district will be stopped on July 1. The water released now will raise the water level and meet the drinking water needs of the region.
