Mettur Dam Water Level at 119.86 Feet, 0.14 Feet Short of Full Capacity

The water level at Mettur Dam in Tamil Nadu stood at 119.86 feet on Tuesday, with an inflow of 16,659 cusecs and a discharge of 18,000 cusecs. The dam's full level is 120 feet.

The Mettur Dam, also known as the Stanley Reservoir, in Tamil Nadu has once again reached its full capacity of 120 feet on Sunday, July 20, 2025. This marks the third instance this year that the dam has attained its maximum storage level. The water level at the dam stood at 119.86 feet on Tuesday, July 2, 2025, with an inflow of 16,659 cusecs and a discharge of 18,000 cusecs [3].

The dam's full capacity was reached due to continuous inflows from the catchment areas in the Western Ghats and surrounding regions, which have been experiencing heavy rainfall. The Water Resources Department (WRD) issued a flood warning and alerted residents in low-lying areas around Mettur and its surroundings [2].

The WRD has increased the water discharge from the dam to manage the rising water level. On Sunday, the dam's water level stood at its full capacity of 120 feet and its storage level at 93.47 tmc ft. The inflow into the dam increased to 31,500 cusecs from the previous day's inflow of 28,784 cusecs. The amount of water discharged from the dam into the River Cauvery for delta irrigation was increased to 31,000 cusecs, including 22,500 cusecs through the dam and powerhouse and 8,500 cusecs through the 16-gate Ellis surplus sluices [2].

The increase in water discharge has brought relief to farmers across the delta districts who rely heavily on the Cauvery river for irrigation. The monsoon rain has replenished the dam, offering a much-needed boost to the kharif cultivation season. However, district administrations have issued a flood warning to residents living along the banks of the Cauvery river, advising them to stay vigilant and follow official advisories [3].

The Mettur Dam plays a crucial role in regulating the Cauvery river system and supporting irrigation across several districts in Tamil Nadu. Officials have stated that discharge levels will be continuously reviewed based on inflow patterns and rainfall intensity in the coming days. Revenue and Disaster Management Department officials are on high alert, coordinating with local bodies to prepare for any emergency evacuation or relief measures.

Tourists and the general public have been restricted from entering areas close to the dam and riverbanks for safety reasons. The dam had previously reached its full capacity earlier this year in January and again in June, reflecting the intensity of this year's monsoon pattern. Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious and follow official advisories.

References:
[1] https://tnagriculture.in/ARS/home/reservoir
[2] https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/mettur-dam-attains-full-capacity-for-third-time-this-year/article69834606.ece
[3] https://www.socialnews.xyz/2025/07/20/tamil-nadus-mettur-dam-reaches-full-capacity-for-third-time-in-2025-flood-alert-issued/