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Chennai: With incessant rains and rising inflow into the Poondi Satyamurthy Sagar reservoir, the Water Resources Department (WRD) has increased the water discharge to 4,000 cusecs from 8 am on Monday, issuing a precautionary advisory for residents living in low-lying villages along the Kosasthalaiyar river.
Located in Tiruvallur district, Poondi Reservoir is one of the major drinking water sources of Chennai. Its full storage capacity at a depth of 35 feet is 3,231 million cubic feet (mcft).
Officials said the reservoir is close to its full capacity due to continuous rain over the past few days and heavy inflow from upper sources.
According to WRD engineers, the current flow is 4,070 cusecs, with water coming from multiple sources – including Kesavaram Dam, Illupair Dam, Poondi Inflow Canal, Kandaleru Canal and the reservoir’s own catchment area.
“As a safety measure, we have increased the discharge to 4,000 cusecs to maintain the stability of the reservoir and accommodate additional inflow if the rains continue,” said a senior WRD official.
The department has also alerted the district administration and disaster response teams in Tiruvallur and Chennai and urged them to remain prepared.
Residents of sensitive parts, especially Thiruninravur, Pullarambakkam and Poondi, have been advised to remain alert and avoid going near river banks.
“Field engineers are continuously monitoring the water level, inflow and outflow. People should stay away from the Kosasthalaiyar river and immediately report any unusual water movement to local authorities,” the official said.
Meanwhile, the Chennai Corporation and Tiruvallur district administration have taken precautionary measures, including desilting storm water drains, inspecting embankments and preparing flood-relief centers in case of emergency evacuation.
WRD said further release from the reservoir will depend on the intensity of rainfall and flow levels in the coming days.
“Our aim is to ensure the safety of both the reservoir structure and downstream settlements,” officials said. The water level in other reservoirs of the city – Chembarambakkam, Red Hills and Puzhal – is also being closely monitored, he said.
–IANS