Ahead of monsoon, city reservoirs shore up 1 tmc

According to PWD officials, Andhra Pradesh released water to Poondi reservoir for the last one week and the water level rose to around 300 million cubic feet. Now, the inflow level has come down to 100 from 700 cusecs.

S Vijayakumar, Executive Engineer, Kosasthalaiyar basin, PWD, said, “AP released only excess water, as there was a heavy rainfall there. We also expect another release in a day or two, as the rains continue. However, the level has considerably gone up in the Poondi reservoir and we will release water to the Red Hills Lake for drinking water purposes.” The PWD officials also claimed that they completed all the repairing works in the lakes, as northeast monsoon may set in a few days. “Desilting works in all the link canals and other rivers like Adyar and Cooum have been taken to ensure free flow during heavy rains,” said V Mani, Superintending Engineer, Palar Basin Circle, Chennai Region. 

Meanwhile, the total storage in the metro water lakes has crossed one tmc. “As of now, the level in four lakes is more than enough for meeting the city needs for a month,” said an official. However, drawing water from Porur lake and other stone quarries will continue, the official added.