As the southwest monsoon advances, the Amaravathi Dam in Udumalaipet is experiencing a significant rise in water levels, prompting urgent calls from farmers for the repair of defective shutters.
The dam, which serves as a crucial water source for irrigation and drinking purposes across Tiruppur and Karur districts, has seen its water level increase by over 14 feet in just two days, reaching 65 feet against its full capacity of 90 feet. The Amaravathi Dam, spanning 9.3 square kilometres, is vital for irrigating approximately 54,637 acres of agricultural land. The dam’s nine shutters play a pivotal role in regulating water release to prevent flooding and ensure adequate water supply during the monsoon season. However, two of these shutters are currently non-functional, raising concerns among the farming community about potential water mismanagement and flood risks.
A senior official from the Water Resources Department (WRD) has confirmed that repairs are underway, with one of the defective shutters being removed for necessary adjustments. The official assured that the work would be completed within a week, emphasising the urgency due to the rapid rise in water levels. The situation is further complicated by the continuous rainfall in the dam’s catchment areas, leading to an inflow of 4,485 cusecs of water as of Wednesday. This influx has accelerated the water level rise, prompting the WRD to prepare for potential water releases to manage the dam’s capacity and mitigate flood risks.
Farmers have expressed their concerns, highlighting the critical need for functional shutters to manage water flow effectively. They argue that without timely repairs, the dam could reach its full capacity, leading to uncontrolled water release and potential flooding in downstream areas. In addition to irrigation, the Amaravathi Dam supplies water to several drinking water schemes in the region. The dual role of the dam underscores the importance of maintaining its infrastructure to ensure both agricultural and domestic water needs are met. The WRD has indicated that once the repairs are completed, the shutters will be fully operational, allowing for controlled water release and reducing the risk of flooding. The department is also preparing a proposal to open water for irrigation in the first zone soon, aiming to support the agricultural community during the crucial sowing season.
While the immediate concern is the repair of the dam’s shutters, the situation also highlights the broader challenges of water management in the face of changing climatic patterns. The increasing frequency and intensity of rainfall events necessitate a reevaluation of infrastructure resilience and preparedness to safeguard both agricultural productivity and community safety. As the monsoon season progresses, the WRD’s swift action in repairing the Amaravathi Dam’s shutters will be crucial in preventing potential disasters and ensuring the continued well-being of the communities dependent on its resources.
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