The Hindu : Moderate rainfall in Cauvery delta

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jul 11, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

Moderate rainfall in Cauvery delta

By T. Ramakrishnan

CHENNAI JULY 10. Several areas of Tamil Nadu, particularly the Cauvery delta, received moderate rainfall last night and in the wee hours today, breaking nearly a week-long dry spell. The maximum precipitation of six cm was recorded at Thirukattupalli in Thanjavur district, followed by five cm at Thanjavur town and four cm each at Kodavasal (Tiruvarur) and Aranthangi (Pudukottai).

The meteorological office attributed the spell to the presence of a trough of low pressure off the Andhra Pradesh-Orissa coast. ``Tomorrow, northern parts of the State and Pondicherry may experience fairly widespread rainfall and the southern parts, scattered rainfall'', an official said.

Among other places in the Cauvery basin, Needamangalam, Keeranur and Kumbakonam registered 3 cm each and Nannilam, Pudukottai and Thirubhuvanam 2 cm each during the 24 hours ended 8.30 a.m. today.

In the remaining parts of the State, Tirupattur in Vellore district recorded 6 cm, Vedaranyam 4 cm and Manamadurai, Poondi, and Arani 3 cm each, while Tambaram, Pamban, Sholingur and Tirumangalam received 2 cm each.

But these summer showers are not expected to provide any hope to farmers, who have to depend on storage in the Mettur dam. The rain could help those who have gone ahead with raising a crop with ground water. In the Mettur dam, the water level stood at about 25 feet (full level 120 feet), whereas, as per ground rules, it should reach 90 feet for water release to begin. Again, as the position in Karnataka is no better, the dam has been receiving meagre inflows. In the last 40 days, the cumulative realisation did not cross even one tmcft (thousand million cubic feet) against the prescribed quantum of 24 tmcft for the lapsed period.

Normally, agriculturists require enormous amounts of water in July and August for kuruvai. But, this time, considering the drought condition, the State Government advised them to go in for alternative crops, which required less water. Agriculture department officials say they have been receiving a ``positive feedback'' from the farmers about the government initiative.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Southern States

Stories in this Section

Ousted staff troop in with appeals

Rulers can't escape punishment for abuse of power: Elangovan

Ordinance suffers from mala fide: Secretariat officers

Ooty canal, a health hazard now

High-level AICTE panel to probe irregularities

Andi Thevar arrested

5 selected for sports training

Moderate rainfall in Cauvery delta

`Dismissals give short-shrift to quota system'

I hold no portfolios, like Kamaraj: Digvijay

Shifting of officials demoralises Madurai police

Poaching case against Kumaradhas' son

Jailed teacher hospitalised