The water level at the Vaigai Dam is nearing its full capacity, prompting officials to operate the main sluice gates to release water and carry out inspections.
Due to inflow from the Periyar Dam, the Vaigai Dam’s water level continued to rise, reaching 69.75 feet yesterday morning. The dam’s maximum capacity is 71 feet. Normally, when the water level reaches 69 feet, the inflow is released immediately. However, as the inflow is currently low, the Water Resources Department has decided to store water up to the full capacity of 71 feet.
Meanwhile, due to rainfall in the catchment areas, both inflow and water levels are being closely monitored around the clock.
Yesterday, Madurai Monitoring Engineer Sam Irwin, Executive Engineer Siva Prabhakar, and other officials operated the main sluice gates of the dam to release water as part of a test. Authorities have already issued warnings to residents in five districts along the riverbanks, as water may be released from the dam at any time if the inflow increases.
