Mullaperiyar Dam's Crucial Water Level Holds Steady at 132.60 Feet

The lifeblood of southern Tamil Nadu, the Mullaperiyar dam, continues to play a pivotal role in regional water security, with its current water level holding steady at a significant 132.60 feet as of Tuesday morning. This vital reservoir, whose permissible maximum level stands at 142 feet, is meticulously managed to ensure sustained water supply to the fertile plains and urban centers downstream.

Current data indicates a measured inflow into the Mullaperiyar dam at 382.75 cusecs.

This inflow is carefully balanced against a discharge of 800 cusecs. This substantial outflow is primarily directed through the crucial tunnel system, channeling water towards the Vaigai dam – another cornerstone of the region's hydrological network.

Downstream, the Vaigai dam's water level was recorded at 48.06 feet on Tuesday morning.

While its permissible maximum level reaches 71 feet, the current level reflects the ongoing supply from Mullaperiyar and careful local management. The Vaigai dam registered an inflow of 800 cusecs, directly benefiting from the releases from Mullaperiyar. From the Vaigai dam, a controlled discharge of 69 cusecs is maintained, specifically allocated for essential drinking water purposes, highlighting the critical utility of these interconnected water systems.

In addition to dam management, rainfall in the surrounding areas contributes to the overall water cycle.

Over the 24 hours ending at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, modest rainfall was recorded in several key locations. Cumbum received 0.4 mm, Periyakulam saw 1.4 mm, Kodaikanal reported 0.6 mm, and Thekkadi recorded 0.4 mm. These sporadic showers, while not substantial, are part of the larger environmental factors influencing the region's water resources, underscoring the delicate balance required in water management for the well-being of the populace and agriculture.