Andhra Pradesh has agreed to release water from the Kandaleru reservoir starting in April. This decision, facilitated by the state water resources department, comes as a crucial measure to meet the city’s water demands during the approaching summer months Chennai’s water supply is heavily reliant on inter-state agreements that ensure a steady flow of water from neighboring states.
The agreement in question stipulates that Andhra Pradesh release 12 thousand million cubic feet (tmc) of water annually. This water traverses through various reservoirs before reaching Chennai, playing a vital role in sustaining the city’s needs. The water journey begins at the Poondi reservoir in Tiruvallur district, which lacks a treatment facility. Consequently, the water is directed to the Red Hills reservoir, serving central Chennai, the east-west corridor, and parts of north and south Chennai. A portion also flows into the Chembarambakkam reservoir, supplying western and central Chennai, as well as southern areas. In regions where reservoir water is insufficient, residents depend on desalination plants, such as those at Nemmeli, to meet their needs.
Additionally, areas XIV and XV, encompassing parts of Sholinganallur and Perungudi zones, rely entirely on desalinated water. Timely releases from the Kandaleru reservoir are expected to alleviate water shortages, reducing the necessity for tanker water during peak summer. Currently, Chennai’s major reservoirs, including Poondi, Red Hills, Chembarambakkam, and Cholavaram, are holding substantial water volumes, though some remain below full capacity. The combined storage across six reservoirs, including the Veeranam tank in Cuddalore, approaches 10,000 million cubic feet. Notably, Poondi and Red Hills are nearing full capacity, while Cholavaram has lower reserves. Chembarambakkam, crucial for western and central areas, holds a significant amount but is not at maximum storage. The Kannankottai Thervoikandigai reservoir has moderate storage, and Veeranam is at just over half capacity.
The release of water from the Kandaleru reservoir is anticipated to enhance these levels, strengthening the supply for the coming months and ensuring more equitable distribution across different zones. This development underscores the importance of inter-state cooperation in managing shared water resources, aiming to meet the growing demands of urban populations sustainably.
