The water level in Thirumoorthy Dam has started rising slowly following the release of water from the upstream through Contour Canal and the Public Works Department (Water Resources Organisation) is expecting to release the water for irrigation by the month-end.
PWD (WRO) sources told The Hindu that the water would be released from the dam, after obtaining the necessary government orders, once the level at the dam site touched 55 feet against the total height of 60 feet.
The water level at the dam stood at 3.07 feet at 3 p.m. on Friday. The inflow of water, mainly through Contour canal, stood at 530 cusecs and the outflow at 13 cusecs at 3 p.m. “The present meagre outflow from the dam is through Dhali channel and meant for drinking purposes,” PWD (WRO) officials said.
The officials added that once the water level at the dam touched the targeted 55 feet, the water would be released for irrigation both through Dhali channel and Parambikulam main canal to cater to almost 94,000 acres of farm land. The water through Dhali channel would also be feeding eight irrigation tanks namely Ottukulam, Periyakulam, Chengulam, Dhinaikulam, Chettikulam, Karisalkulam, Ammapattikulam and Valayapalayamkulam in the downstream areas.
With thick sheet of water cascading down from Panchalingam Falls at Thirumoorthy Hills, the tourists could be seen in plenty in the area.
One of the smaller tributaries of River Palar that flows into the Thirumoorthy Dam makes the Panchalingam Falls.
Rain
“Good rain in the catchment areas in the recent days has resulted in the increase in the water flow at the Falls, which is situated inside the Anamalai Tiger Reserve,” forest officials said.
