Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Chennai, Oct 23 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department (WRD) has imposed a statewide ban on public entry near dams, reservoirs and lakes under its jurisdiction as heavy inflows continue due to the north-east monsoon.
The precautionary measure has been taken amid concerns over public safety, as many water bodies have started filling rapidly, leading to controlled water releases from several major dams.
According to official sources, there are 90 major dams and 14,141 lakes across Tamil Nadu that are maintained by the WRD.
Due to continuous monsoon rains in various parts of the state, the inflow of water into the reservoirs in districts like Salem, Erode, Theni, Madurai, Tiruvannamalai, Coimbatore and Tiruvallur has increased rapidly.
Authorities have begun releasing surplus water from many of these dams to ensure their structural safety and prevent potential overflow. Traditionally, people from nearby areas come to these sites with their families to witness the natural release of water or to admire the view of the reservoirs at full capacity. However, officials said such practices have become increasingly dangerous during the monsoon season.
A senior WRD official said, “Even a minor drop or sudden rise in water level can lead to tragic accidents. Therefore, due to safety reasons, the department has barred the public from going near dams, lakes and other water sources.”
The department has also requested police protection for major reservoirs which are receiving huge amounts of water. Security has been beefed up especially around important water sources that supply drinking water to Chennai, including Chembarambakkam, Poondi, Puzhal and Cholavaram lakes. These four reservoirs, located in Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur districts, are now under round-the-clock surveillance, with police personnel deployed in shifts to maintain security and prevent unauthorized access.
Officials said signboards and barricades have been installed at the entry points of several dams, warning the public not to enter restricted areas.
The WRD has coordinated with the district administration and police departments to ensure that the safety guidelines are strictly enforced. Residents living in downstream areas of rivers like Adyar, Kosasthalaiyar and Vaigai have been advised to remain alert as the water level may rise unexpectedly due to sudden release of water from upper dams.
The department reiterated that its decision was purely preventive and urged citizens to cooperate fully during the ongoing monsoon period.
–IANS
AL/DPB