TN reservoirs have adequate buffer space to handle first spell of monsoon: WRD

CHENNAI: Bracing for the heavy rainfall on October 16 and 17 in the districts in the delta region and north coastal line, the officials of the Water Resource Department (WRD) said that the state has an adequate buffer space to handle the first spell of monsoon.

The department has also deployed nodal officers for each district to work along with field level staff and line departments on precautionary measures and carry out contingency works to avert riverine flooding.

Also Read: Chennai braces for heavy rain, GCC issues essential thunderstorm safety guidelines

"Nodal officers nominated for each district to monitor the preparedness to meet the emergencies for Northeast Monsoon 2024 and to coordinate with territorial executive engineer, Additional chief Secretary of WRD K Manivasan said in an order.

Going by Monday’s report, the cumulative water storage level in 90 reservoirs in the state stood at 57.47% of the total storage capacity of 128.901 tmc.

In the Chennai region, which has a total of five reservoirs, the water storage levels of Poondi and Cholavaram range from 9.13% and 5.74%, respectively. Water level stood at 33.25% in Chembarambakkam, while the water storage level stood at 61.82% in Red Hills and 60% in Thervoy Kandigai have adequate buffer zone to store the rainwater and likely.

Also Read: Red alert issued for Chennai and neighbouring districts on 16.10.2024

The water level in Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, and neighbouring districts is around 25%, indicating remote chances of flooding.

Of the total 14,139 tanks in the state, 706 tanks are brimming with water, and the water level is nil in 1,857 tanks.

As many as 5,523 tanks have less than 25% of their total capacity.

“We have an adequate buffer zone (space) for the first spell of heavy rain of the NE monsoon,” said an official.

Also Read: Red alert: Chennai far from ready for northeast monsoon onslaught

Sources in the department said that they have tasked officials, in the rank of executive engineers of PWD, to monitor the water level.

They have also been coordinating with local bodies and other line departments to remove debris and blockages from channels to ensure free flow of water.

"If any water bodies filled up, the surplus waters would be channelised systematically to the downstream region, " added the officials.

Water bodies to the rescue?

706 tanks alone brim with water among 14,139

75%-99% water level in 1,584 tanks

51% -75% water level in 1,850 tanks

26%-50% water level in 2,619 tanks

1% - 25% water level in 5523 tanks

1,857 tanks are dry

57.47% (128.901 tmc) water storage in 90 reservoirs as against total capacity of 224.297 tmc

CM’s instructions to officers

Take steps to shift and accommodate elderly people, differently-abled, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers on a priority basis in affected areas

Adequate number of motor pumps to pump out water at inundated locations

Make arrangements for chainsaws and earthmovers, among other equipment, to handle emergencies

Generators to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply