Krishna water to reach Poondi reservoir on November 17

According to TN Public Works Department (WRD), last month AP released Krishna water as per the pact between the two states. However, AP suspended the supply on November 7 citing that farmers in the state were taking up Kharif cultivation and it prompted the TN PWD officials to approach their counterpart again, as the north-east monsoon was not yet active and the city is likely to face drinking water problem. Subsequently, AP released water a week ago. A senior PWD engineer confirmed that Krishna water has reached zero point. “Krishna water reached TN border at 12 midnight.

The storage in the reservoir on Wednesday morning was 110 million cubic water and 66 cusecs of water is being released to Red Hills lake for drinking purpose,” said the engineer and added that they expected the inflow to gradually raise the storage capacity in the reservoir. M Bhakthavachalam, Superintending Engineer, Palar Basin Circle, Chennai Region told DTNext that they were in touch with their AP irrigation officials. 

Asked about further approach to increase release of water from Kandaleru reservoir, the SE said “We have approached our counterpart to raise the level and however, if the north-east monsoon intensifies, there will be no issues.” It may be noted that during the last year’s northeast monsoon, the heavy rain steadily increased the storage in Poondi reservoir and as flood precautionary measures, officials discharged 12,000 cusecs, into the sea.

With the north-east monsoon yet to pick up in the Chennai region, the Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) was leaving no stone unturned to supply drinking water in the city without interruption. Release of water from the lower anicut (Vadavaru), Kollidam is being increased to Veeranam lake, a big drinking water resource to the city. A senior PWD engineer, Cuddalore, said “Water to the Veernam lake is being released based on storage and following a decision by the district administration.” A total of 500 cusecs is currently being released to Veeranam lake.