Coimbatore: With summer around the corner, the municipal corporation is baffled by the amount of water released from the Siruvani dam.
Siruvani dam is responsible for the water supply to 28 of the 100 wards in the city. The city is entitled to receive 101.40 million liters a day from the dam.
The numbers have tumbled down now to a mere 50-60 MLD from the dam, which is maintained by Kerala.
Now CM M K Stalin had written a letter to the Kerala government that the storage level in the dam is now maintained at 877.0 meters, instead of its full capacity which is measured at 878.50 meters.
The city corporation is also tackled with distribution problems. The officials from the Tamil Nadu Water Supplies and Drainage Board (TWAD) point out that some areas get water once in 4 days while the rest gets water once in 15 days. Each the duration of water supply varies from area to area which has left the locals in disappointment.
The issue has now been escalated to the Kerala government by the TWAD officials. The civic body has mentioned that the installation of Scada system and bulk flow meters are the only solution to the city’s water crisis issue. A proposal for the installation of the Scada system has been approved, while the fully completed project will help to increase the water flow to the city.
Coimbatore is currently facing a significant water crisis due to a substantial reduction in the water supply from the Siruvani Dam, a primary source of the city’s drinking water.
Key Issues:
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Reduced Water Supply: The Kerala Irrigation Department has decreased the water supply to Coimbatore from the Siruvani Dam by approximately 50%, dropping from 85-90 million litres per day (MLD) to 50-60 MLD.
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Storage Level Concerns: As of early 2024, the water level in the Siruvani Dam was around 25 feet, significantly below its full capacity of 50 feet. This low storage level raises concerns about the city’s water availability in the coming months.
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Impact on Residents: Many areas in Coimbatore are experiencing increased intervals between water supply cycles, with some neighborhoods receiving water only once every 10 to 15 days. Residents have reported difficulties in managing daily water needs under these conditions.
Government Response:
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Official Communications: Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, M K Stalin, has addressed the issue by writing to his Kerala counterpart, highlighting the reduced water levels and urging for increased water release to meet Coimbatore’s needs.
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Alternative Measures: The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) is exploring alternative water sources, such as enhancing the Pillur Dam’s contribution. Desilting operations have been initiated at the Pillur Dam’s inlet to improve water intake efficiency, with the removal of alluvial soil and silt underway to increase water flow.
Looking Ahead:
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Monsoon Dependency: The city’s water supply heavily depends on the upcoming monsoon rains to replenish the Siruvani Dam’s levels. Without adequate rainfall in the catchment areas, the water scarcity may persist, affecting daily life and economic activities.
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Long-Term Solutions: To mitigate future water crises, it is crucial to develop sustainable water management strategies, including rainwater harvesting, wastewater recycling, and the construction of additional reservoirs. Collaborative efforts between Tamil Nadu and Kerala are essential to ensure equitable and sufficient water distribution for the region’s growing population.
Addressing Coimbatore’s water scarcity requires immediate action and long-term planning to secure a reliable and sustainable water supply for its residents.