Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Chennai, Oct 21 (IANS) With the formation of a new low pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, the Regional Meteorological Center (RMC), Chennai has predicted heavy rains across Tamil Nadu in the coming days, and as a precursor to the Northeast Monsoon, widespread rain has already started over many parts of the state, including Chennai and its suburbs.
Incessant rains have caused the water level in major reservoirs and lakes to rise significantly, forcing authorities to take precautionary measures.
Among them, Chembarambakkam lake – one of the primary sources of drinking water for Chennai – has seen a steady increase in inflow in the last 48 hours.
Officials said the water level of the lake has reached near 21 feet, which is just three feet short of its full capacity of 24 feet.
Continued inflows from catchment areas upstream have accelerated the increase, leading to discussions among district and water resources officials about the need for controlled discharge.
After a review meeting held on Tuesday, the officials decided to release excess water from Chembarambakkam lake from 4 pm onwards
As a precautionary measure the discharge will initially start at 100 cubic feet per second (cusec), with officials closely monitoring flow patterns and weather updates to determine further releases if necessary.
The water resources department and revenue officials have issued flood warnings to residents living in low-lying areas along the banks of Adyar river and near Kundrathur and Thirumudivakkam. The local administration has been instructed to be on high alert and field teams have been deployed to deal with any possible flood incident.
Meanwhile, the RMC has warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over northern coastal districts including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Kanchipuram in the next 48 hours.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal due to rough sea condition. With the Northeast Monsoon expected to intensify further, officials have reiterated that water bodies will be continuously monitored, and timely discharge of excess water will be ensured to prevent flooding in Chennai and surrounding areas.
–IANS
aal/vd