Ban on bathing at Kodiveri anicut in Erode district

With the release of surplus water from Bhavanisagar Dam into River Bhavani leading to flooding at Kodiveri anicut, the Water Resources Department (WRD) has imposed a ban on bathing at the spot.

The centuries-old anicut, located 15 km from Gobichettipalayam on the Sathyamangalam Road, is a popular tourist destination attracting visitors from across Tamil Nadu and neighbouring States.

On Tuesday, the water level in Bhavanisagar Dam touched 102 ft, following which surplus water was released into the river, resulting in flooding at the anicut. WRD officials said bathing will remain banned until further notice. Last month, the anicut was closed to visitors for 18 days due to flooding and was reopened only five days ago.

As of 8 a.m. on Tuesday, the dam’s water level stood at 102 ft against the full reservoir level (FRL) of 105 ft. The inflow was 5,396 cusecs, while storage stood at 30.31 tmc ft against the full capacity of 32.80 tmc ft. The total discharge was 5,300 cusecs — including 2,500 cusecs of surplus water into the Bhavani, 2,000 cusecs into the Lower Bhavani Project canal, and 800 cusecs into the Arakkankottai and Thadapalli canals.