As 2,000 cusecs of water was released from Vaigai dam in Theni to the traditional ayacut areas in Sivaganga district, the district administration has issued warnings to the public residing along the riverbank areas.
As the district experienced heavy rainfall two weeks ago due to the Northeast Monsoon, water level of Vaigai dam, rose sharply and reached 69 feet as against the maximum water level of 71 feet, on October 20th.
For safety reasons, a final (third stage) flood warning was issued to five districts—Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Sivaganga, and Ramanathapuram—and surplus water was released through the river.
Following continuous rain in the catchment areas, including Megamalai and the Western Ghats, the inflow from the Mullaperiyar and catchment areas of Vaigai dam kept the reservoir level above 69 feet.
As a result, the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department ordered the release of 1,824 mcft to fill the tanks in the traditional Vaigai ayacut areas of three districts - Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, and Madurai.
