Heavy rains continue to drench the Tenkasi district, particularly near the Western Ghats, leading to significant water inflow in local reservoirs and expectations of imminent overflow, according to Public Works Department (PWD) officials. As the pre-monsoon showers persist, the district’s five dams are reporting increasing water levels, setting the stage for a potentially transformative agricultural season.
The Gundar dam at Maekkarai, the smallest reservoir in the district, has already overflowed after reaching its maximum capacity of 36.10 feet. In contrast, the Gadananathi dam, the largest, currently holds water at 73 feet, approaching its limit of 85 feet, with a notable influx of 1,076 cusecs recorded on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Ramanadhi dam registers a level of 76 feet against its maximum of 84 feet, receiving 138 cusecs of water. The Karuppanadhi dam stands at 63 feet, nearing its 72 feet limit, while the Adavinainarkovil dam holds 99 feet of its 132.22 feet capacity.
Given these conditions, PWD officials predict that all five reservoirs will overflow during the upcoming week. “With the consistent rainfall along the Western Ghats, we anticipate surplus in all our reservoirs soon. We’ve enhanced the channels and bunds of irrigation tanks, which suggests that water releases for farming could start by the first week of June, possibly even earlier,” shared a PWD official.
In light of the torrential rains, bathing in Courtallam’s renowned waterfalls-including the Main Falls, Five Falls, and Old Courtallam Falls-has been prohibited for eight consecutive days, leaving tourists disappointed. Though the annual tourist season typically kicks off in the first week of June, the early onset of monsoon rains has already revitalized the area, attracting visitors even in May. Local traders were optimistic about a bustling business season ahead of school reopening, but the ongoing rainfall and flooding have disrupted their plans. “We expected large family visits to Courtallam before the school year began. Unfortunately, the persistent rains and flooding have dampened our business prospects, and we are anxiously waiting for water levels to recede,” remarked trader Senthurpandian.
Contrastingly, the agricultural landscape in Tenkasi district has shifted into high gear. With irrigation tanks-both systemized and non-systemized-receiving adequate water and rainfall continuing, preparations for cultivating the ‘kar’ paddy are underway. Farmer S. Murugan from Paimpozhil, known locally as Panpoli, expressed optimism for this year’s harvest, stating, “We expect a robust yield this season, with all dams and irrigation ponds likely to reach maximum capacity before mid-June.”
As the Tenkasi district braces for further rainfall and its consequences, farmers are gearing up for what they hope will be a bountiful season, albeit with ongoing challenges for local businesses dependent on tourism. The interplay of weather patterns and agricultural need is shaping a multifaceted narrative for this region as it prepares for the upcoming monsoon.
Published – May 31, 2025 07:58 pm IST
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/all-five-dams-in-tenkasi-district-expected-to-surplus-during-upcoming-week-thanks-to-pre-monsoon-downpour-along-western-ghats/article69641611.ece
Category : Madurai
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-05-31 19:58:00
