The five major reservoirs currently hold storage of nearly 11,038 million cubic feet (mcft), which is nearly 2,227 mcft, more than their storage on the same day last year.
| Photo Credit: B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM
With the city’s major reservoirs continuing to receive inflow and storage touching 94% of their capacity, the Water Resources Department (WRD) has marginally increased discharge to maintain safe levels.
Two of the reservoirs – Poondi and Red Hills – have reached their capacity. The one in Chembarambakkam may reach its full storage by Thursday, noted officials of the WRD. This would secure drinking water supply to Chennai for another year.
Though rainfall has receded over the region, the reservoirs continue to get steady inflow from catchment areas and other storage structures. Poondi reservoir, for instance, recorded an inflow of 1,050 cubic feet per second (cusecs), a large share of which is being diverted to other reservoirs through the link canal.
Surplus discharge
WRD officials said a minimal amount of surplus water would be discharged through reservoirs’ shutters until inflows gradually drop. “Water is being diverted from Poondi to other water bodies to replenish water drawal for the city’s consumption and maintain full capacity. This step will also prevent release of additional flow into the Kosasthalaiyar river,” said an official.
The five major reservoirs currently hold storage of nearly 11,038 million cubic feet (mcft), which is nearly 2,227 mcft, more than their storage on the same day last year. Maintaining full tank level in reservoirs will help restore the natural regime, reducing the risk of encroachments, officials said. Controlled water release since the onset of the monsoon has helped in both flood management and conservation.
The measure also helped sustain the ecosystem of the waterways downstream of the reservoirs, officials added.
Dry weather to prevail
Meanwhile, the Regional Meteorological Centre has forecast that dry weather will prevail across the State, with night-time temperatures expected to dip slightly over the next few days.
Following last week’s downpour in various parts of the State, the Northeast monsoon is likely to remain in a lull phase till December 17. B. Amudha, Head (Additional in-charge), RMC said a trough in easterlies/easterly wave activity is likely to move towards T.N. coast and influence rainfall mainly over south coastal and delta districts between December 12 and December 14. However, it may only be in light to moderate intensity.
On Wednesday, a few places like Pamban, Palayamkottai and Vedaranyam recorded light rainfall till 6 p.m. The RMC has noted mist or haze is likely over interior parts of the State on Thursday morning, with chances of light rainfall in Chennai.
Published – December 11, 2025 04:58 am IST
