With the flow swelling sharply in Periyar river in the early hours of Thursday, the public and the pilgrims were advised not to take bath in the river at Veerapandi and near Sri Gowmariamman Temple.
The water flow in the river increased as the discharge from Periyar dam was stepped up to 1,435 cusecs to improve storage in Vaigai dam to maintain a release of 900 cusecs for the next 120 days for irrigating the first crop in Periyar Main Channel ayacut in Madurai and Dindigul districts.
Moderate showers on the Western Ghats and a good flow in the Suriliyaru too increased the flow in Periyar river considerably. The water touched both the banks at Veerapandi.
Local bodies alerted the residents at Palarpatti, Uppukottai and Kuchanur and nearby villages situated along the riverbanks not to bath or wash clothes in the river. The district administration has already alerted local bodies to keep men and materials ready to handle emergency situations in case of flooding of low-lying areas.
The flow in Kottakudi river was also good. The water would ultimately reach Vaigai dam.
Many areas in Dindigul district received intermittent showers for the past two days. Dindigul city and nearby areas received mild showers on Thursday evening. The rain was, however, insufficient to recharge tanks and improve groundwater table, said farmers.
The total rainfall in the district on Thursday was 59.04 mm, as against 27.54 mm recorded on Wednesday. Dindigul received the highest rainfall of 9.59 mm, and Natham the lowest rainfall of 0.5 mm.
Palani, Oddancahtram, Nilakottai and Vedasandur received mild showers on Wednesday night. Temperature fell sharply to 16 degree Celsius in Kodaikanal owing to the change in the climate and heavy mist.
