The unprecedented drought situation has not only resulted in an agrarian and drinking water crisis, but is likely to take the sheen out of Madurai’s annual Chithirai festival as the abysmally low level of water in Vaigai dam has ruled out the possibility of water release for the festival.
The water will be released primarily for Lord Kallazhagar’s entry into the Vaigai, the highpoint of the famed Chithirai festival.
Officials of Public Works Department said a similar situation arose in 2014 following poor monsoons in 2013. According to PWD sources, around 150 mcft of water will be released from Vaigai dam for Chithirai festival, after analysing possibility of rains and availability in the dam to meet drinking water needs in summer.
The officials said that, apart from the festival, the release of water helped in recharging aquifers and infiltration wells along the riverbed which, in turn, helped in tackling drinking water needs.
Collector K. Veera Raghava Rao said water available in Vaigai dam was so low that even if all available water was released, it would not reach Madurai. “There is no possibility of releasing water for the festival as the water availability in the dam can barely meet the drinking water needs of Madurai district for around two weeks,” he said.
“We are hoping to get some summer rains that can help address the drinking water crisis. However, even if it rains in the coming week, releasing water for Chithirai festival is not a possibility,” he said.
Highlighting that the issue had been discussed in a recent meeting on preparations for Chithirai festival, Mr. Rao said alternative arrangements would be made for the entry of Lord Kallazhagar into the Vaigai on May 10.
“Deep pits will be dug at the point where Kallazhagar enters the river. These pits will be filled with water from tankers,” he said, adding that similar arrangement had been done in dry years in the past.
Though this arrangement will ensure that the ritual was followed as per tradition, a Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department official from Kallazhagar Temple said devotees will be disappointed.
“Water in the river will not only be a reprise for the devotees from the scorching summer, but a large number of them will also take a holy bath in the river after a tonsure during the event,” he said.
