The water discharge from Vaigai Dam to the irrigation areas of Madurai and Dindigul districts has now been reduced to 500 cubic feet per second. In recent weeks, the water level in the Vaigai Dam has risen to 64.30 feet. Meanwhile, with the total height of the dam being 71 feet, the water inflows and discharges have experienced minor fluctuations.
Water has been released from the Vaigai Dam through the canal to supply irrigation water to the fields in Madurai and Dindigul districts since December 18. Initially, on December 20, the discharge was 1630 cubic feet per second, which was reduced to 1430 cubic feet per second by December 22. Subsequently, by 6:00 AM today, the discharge rate was further reduced to 500 cubic feet per second. Despite the challenge of maintaining consistent water levels in the irrigation areas with the reduced discharge, the situation remains stable.
Additionally, 69 cubic feet per second of water continues to be released as usual for the drinking water supply projects in Madurai, Theni, and Andipatti - Sedappatti. This highlights the ongoing management of the Vaigai Dam’s water discharge for both irrigation and drinking water needs.
In the past 24 hours, the water inflow into the Vaigai Dam was recorded at 1272 cubic feet per second, and the dam’s water level has significantly increased. These water levels, along with the irrigation demands, are being carefully managed to ensure appropriate water release rates.
