Vaigai Dam Nears Full Capacity: Farmers Demand Urgent Water Release
Farmers urge water release through 58th canal as Vaigai Dam overflows.
The Vaigai Dam, a lifeline for farmers in Tamil Nadu’s Madurai region, is brimming with water, reaching 70.14 feet on Sunday evening, just shy of its full capacity of 71 feet. With the dam’s storage at an impressive 5,864 million cubic feet (mcft) against a total capacity of 6,091 mcft, the Water Resources Department (WRD) is under pressure to balance dam safety with the urgent irrigation needs of farmers. As of 4 p.m. Sunday, the dam recorded an inflow of 2,113 cusecs and a discharge of 1,499 cusecs, including 1,430 cusecs channeled for irrigation and 69 cusecs allocated for drinking water. Notably, no water was released into the river, a move that has sparked concern among local farmers.
The WRD is taking cautious steps to maintain the water level at around 70 feet to ensure the structural integrity of the dam while addressing the region’s agricultural demands. Official sources revealed that the state government has greenlit the release of 1,824 mcft of water for irrigation in the traditional Vaigai Ayacut areas, which span multiple districts. This release will occur in three carefully planned phases to ensure equitable distribution. From October 27 to 31, water will flow to Ayacut Area III, followed by Area II from November 2 to 6, and Area I from November 8 to 13. Looking ahead, the WRD has outlined a long-term plan to release water to these three ayacut divisions in a 2:3:7 ratio whenever the dam’s storage hits 1,354 mcft, continuing until March 2026. This structured approach aims to maximize irrigation efficiency while adhering to established distribution norms.
Amid these developments, farmers in the region are vocally demanding the release of water through the 58th canal, which has remained dry for an extended period. The WRD is actively preparing a proposal to address this demand, with officials stating that water release through the canal will commence as soon as the necessary approvals are secured. The 58th canal, a critical irrigation channel, is vital for farmers in the tail-end areas of Madurai, particularly in Usilampatti, where water scarcity has been a persistent issue.
Also Read: Tamil Nadu Flood Alert: Vaigai Dam Water Level Surges, Warning Issued for Five Districts
Local farmer M. Manikandan from Usilampatti emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The 58th canal has been dry for far too long. Releasing surplus water now would not only support farmers in the tail-end regions but also significantly recharge the groundwater table across Madurai.” His sentiments echo the growing frustration among farmers who rely on timely water releases to sustain their crops and livelihoods.
The demand for water through the 58th canal has also gained political traction. Recently, farmers, alongside MLA R.B. Udhayakumar, submitted a petition to the district collector, pressing for immediate action to release water through the canal. This collective push underscores the critical role the Vaigai Dam plays in supporting agriculture in the region, particularly during periods of robust water storage.
As the dam teeters close to its maximum capacity, all eyes are on the WRD’s next steps. The department’s ability to balance dam safety, irrigation needs, and groundwater recharge will be crucial in addressing the concerns of farmers and ensuring sustainable water management in Madurai. For now, farmers remain hopeful that the promised water release through the 58th canal will soon bring relief to their parched fields.
Also Read: Helmeted MLA Stands With Farmers Amid Fertiliser Chaos in Madhya Pradesh
