As 2,000 cusecs of water was released from Vaigai dam in Theni to the traditional ayacut areas in Sivaganga district, the district administration has issued warnings to the public residing along the riverbank areas.
As the district experienced heavy rainfall two weeks ago due to the Northeast Monsoon, water level of Vaigai dam, rose sharply and reached 69 feet as against the maximum water level of 71 feet, on October 20th.
For safety reasons, a final (third stage) flood warning was issued to five districts—Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Sivaganga, and Ramanathapuram—and surplus water was released through the river.
Following continuous rain in the catchment areas, including Megamalai and the Western Ghats, the inflow from the Mullaperiyar and catchment areas of Vaigai dam kept the reservoir level above 69 feet.
As a result, the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department ordered the release of 1,824 mcft to fill the tanks in the traditional Vaigai ayacut areas of three districts – Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, and Madurai.
In accordance with this order, 624 mcft was initially released to the traditional ayacut area – in Ramanathapuram district, starting from October 27 till November 1.
Following that, 772 mcft was released to the Vaigai taditional ayacut areas in the Sivaganga district starting from November 2 till November 6.
For this purpose, 2,000 cusecs is currently being released through river and in addition to this, a normal flow of 1,449 cusecs is being released through the canal for drinking water and irrigation, bringing the total water released from Vaigai to 3,449 cusecs.
As the release of 2,000 cusecs will continue for four days, said a press statement.
The Water Resources Department has announced a warning for people residing along the Vaigai riverbanks in the four districts – Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, and Sivaganga.
Subsequently, from November 8 to 13, 428 mcft of water is scheduled to be released to the Vaigai Traditional Ayacut Area in Madurai district.
Published – November 02, 2025 06:13 pm IST
