spot_img
HomeUrban NewsChennaiKrishna Water Cut, Chennai's Reservoirs Brim with 75%

Krishna Water Cut, Chennai’s Reservoirs Brim with 75%

Krishna Water Cut, Chennai’s Reservoirs Brim with 75%

Chennai’s water management system has been given a much-needed reprieve with the city’s three primary reservoirs reaching full capacity, thanks to the northeast monsoon’s ample rainfall in the months of November and December. As a result, the Water Resources Department (WRD) has confirmed that Krishna water from Andhra Pradesh’s Kandeluru Dam has stopped flowing into the city’s Poondi reservoir. This marks a significant shift in Chennai’s water supply dynamics, as the city’s reservoirs are now holding up to 75% of their storage capacity.

This year, Chennai received only 2 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of Krishna water, a far cry from the typical 8 TMC the city relies on. The difference was largely due to the robust inflow from the monsoon, which enabled the Poondi, Red Hills, and Chembarambakkam reservoirs to reach their maximum storage levels. As a result, the WRD requested that Andhra Pradesh halt further releases of Krishna water, given that the city’s reservoirs were sufficiently replenished. A senior WRD official explained that, under the existing agreement between Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, 12 TMC of Krishna water is usually delivered during the monsoon’s first spell, from July to October. However, given the robust water levels in the reservoirs, the requirement was lowered to just 2 TMC over a two-month period.

Historically, Chennai’s reservoirs have started the monsoon season at lower levels, typically around 30-40% full before the rains begin. However, in 2024, the reservoirs were already at 75% capacity before the onset of the monsoon season, which significantly reduced the need for Krishna water. This change reflects the city’s evolving ability to manage its water resources more effectively. While this year’s rainfall has spared Chennai from facing a water crisis, the city’s water security hinges on maintaining proper levels during the coming months. With 11 TMC still stored in the reservoirs as of mid-January, officials are optimistic that the summer will not bring about a drought situation, as long as the storage levels remain steady.

Sustainability considerations in urban water management play a critical role in ensuring Chennai’s future water security. The city’s evolving water management strategy — including improving storage infrastructure and diversifying water supply sources — underscores a more sustainable approach to urban water consumption. By relying less on external sources like Krishna water and focusing on managing local reservoirs more efficiently, Chennai can mitigate the impact of unpredictable weather patterns in the future. Furthermore, better stormwater management and the revival of lakes can reduce dependency on distant water sources, making the city’s water systems more resilient to fluctuations in rainfall.

Looking forward, the WRD has made it clear that if water levels in the city’s reservoirs dip over the next few months, the release of Krishna water may be requested again in May or June. However, for now, the city’s immediate water needs have been met, and there is optimism about avoiding a water shortage this summer. The current situation serves as a reminder that proactive planning and responsible water resource management can mitigate the impact of water scarcity in urban areas.

RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisment -spot_img

Most Popular

Recent Comments

Skip to toolbar