Vaigai water reaches Ramanathapuram Big Tank.
| Photo Credit: L. BALACHANDAR
Water released from the Vaigai dam on June 25 has reached Ramanathapuram Big Tank.
About 3,000 cusecs water was released from Vaigai dam and the flow was recorded at 400 cusecs on June 2. Following the release of water, the Public Works Department had cautioned the people of Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram districts against entering the Vaigai river.
As there was a significant rise in Vaigai and Mullaperiyar dams due to rain in Theni district, about 900 cusecs were released for irrigation of crops in Madurai and Dindigul districts.
After farmers requested the government to release water to irrigation areas in Ramanathapuram district too, the government ordered the release of water as there was sufficient storage in Vaigai dam.
While the Public Works Department said 3,000 cusecs released would be gradually be reduced in the following days and the release of water to Ramanathapuram district would be stopped on July 1, it was stopped on June 3.
A Water Resources Department official said the branch channels were not opened till the water reached the Big Tank. Once the water reached the Big Tank and after ensuring it would fill the tank to brim, the branches channels were opened.
The Big Tank, the second largest in the district— next only to R.S. Mangalam Big Tank — has a total capacity of 618 mcft. Though water can be stored up to 7.6 feet, it is generally maintained below seven feet, considering the grey areas along the tank bund. The tank has a total ayacut of 3,962 acres.
Published – July 03, 2025 07:39 pm IST
