To safeguard Chennai's drinking water supply, Metrowater has requested additional water releases from the Mettur Dam. The Veeranam tank is currently operating at a critical 15% capacity.

  • Veeranam tank is currently at only 15% of its 1,465 mcft capacity.
  • Metrowater has requested an additional 500 cusecs release from Mettur Dam.
  • The tank supplies 179 million litres per day (mld) to Chennai.
  • Water arrival is expected by the first week of September.

In a strategic move to fortify Chennai's water security, Chennai Metrowater authorities have approached the Water Resources Department (WRD) for an additional release of water from the Mettur Dam. The primary objective is to augment the storage levels in the Veeranam tank, a vital component of the city's drinking water infrastructure.

The Veeranam tank, located in the Cuddalore district, is currently facing a significant deficit. Against its total capacity of 1,465 million cubic feet (mcft), the tank holds only 15% of its volume. Despite these low levels, the tank remains a critical lifeline, supplying 179 million litres per day (mld) to supplement Chennai's total daily requirement of 1,245 mld.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the reliance on supplementary tanks like Veeranam becomes critical when primary reservoirs face depletion. Maintaining a buffer in these tanks is essential to prevent sudden shortages in the metropolitan area before the arrival of the Northeast monsoon.

Securing additional inflows for the Veeranam tank is a proactive measure to mitigate the looming threat of urban water scarcity.

The request involves discharging an additional 500 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water, alongside existing releases intended for various combined drinking water schemes in districts such as Tiruchi and Erode. A Government Order has already been issued to permit these additional releases through the end of September to ensure the tank is sufficiently replenished.

Officials expect the water to reach the tank by the first week of September. Currently, the released water is navigating the final 27-kilometer stretch before entering the tank. The Vadavar channel is anticipated to contribute an inflow of at least 100 cusecs, helping to balance the inflow and withdrawal rates.

Historical Background

Chennai's water management history is marked by extreme fluctuations between floods and severe droughts. The integration of multiple water sources, including the Mettur Dam and various canal systems like the Kandaleru-Poondi canal, has historically been the city's defense against seasonal water shortages.

Feature Current Status Full Capacity
Veeranam Tank Storage 15% 1,465 mcft
Daily Supply to Chennai 179 mld Part of 1,245 mld total
Did You Know?: The Kandaleru-Poondi canal provides nearly 410 cusecs of Krishna water from Andhra Pradesh to the Tiruvallur district border.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When will the new water reach the Veeranam tank?
Metrowater officials expect the additional water to reach the tank by the first week of September.

2. How much water does Veeranam tank provide to Chennai daily?
It provides 179 million litres per day (mld) to the city's supply.