Stage two flood warning issued in Delta districts, farmers demand water in all canals

Meanwhile, farmers in the region urged the government to ensure release of water in all the canals across the Delta to save the excess water. Earlier on July 18, a maximum of 1.08 cusecs was released by Karnataka. But this time, more quantum of water would reach Tamil Nadu and the excess water would be released any time.

When the excess water would be released, districts like Salem, Namakkal, Erode, Karur, Tiruchy, Thanjavur and Nagapattinam face the threat of heavy flooding. Already the district administrations have issue stage two flood warning to the residents. 

Meanwhile, the farmers who have been elated over the good quantum of water released in the Cauvery, sounded positive on good samba cultivation. But, at the same time, they have urged the district administrations to ensure release of water into the entire canal system across the Delta region. The district administrations have cautioned people living on the banks of Cauvery, its branch rivers in the districts against venturing into the river and water bodies. 

A Annadurai, Tiruchy Collector, in a release stated that due to the heavy rains in Karnataka, the Mettur dam has been receiving more than 1 lakh cusecs. Following this, more than one lakh cusecs would be let out into Cauvery. Hence those living in the banks of Cauvery, Vennaru, Grand Anaicaut and Kollidam in the district should be cautious. “They should avoid bathing, swimming, fishing, taking selfies near water bodies where the flow of water was more. Parents should keep watch on their children so that they do not play in the water bodies which would swell any time. The farmers should avoid taking their cattle through the water bodies. The residents should get to know about the release of water regularly through the media reports,” the Collector added.

Similarly, Nagapattinam Collector has issued a flood alert. Collector C Suresh Kumar urged the public not to go near the banks of Cauvery, Vennaru and Kollidam due to the upcoming discharges of water in Cauvery.

The heavy rain that lashed Idukki in Kerala resulted in mild showers in Theni and Dindigul districts and the maximum of 115 mm has been recorded in Periyar, while Thekadi received 56.4 mm rain.

Cultivation has commenced in Kumbam, Kudalur, Kullappagoundan patti and Narayana Devan patti. For the past two days, the cultivation has been undertaken in full swing.

 According to the senior farmers, over 1,40,707 acres land has been supported in Theni with which, the people have commenced their cultivation from the water released from Mullaiperiyar Dam.

Meanwhile, the heavy rain in the catchment region has increased the level in the Mullaiperiyar dam by a foot from 132 feet to 133 feet. Meanwhile, the Vaigai dam reached 58.83 feet. Water is being released gradually from the Mullaiperiyar Dam.