📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ranjithkanth Tamilselvan J
Weather
Over Half of Tamil Nadu’s Dams Below 25% Capacity Amid Rainfall Deficit
✍️ The New Indian Express
🗓 03 Oct 2026, 08:47 PM
👁 14
More than 50% of the state's dams are holding less than a quarter of their storage because of a shortfall in monsoon rains, officials say.
The latest water‑level survey indicates that over half of Tamil Nadu’s reservoirs are operating at below 25% of their designed storage capacity. The shortfall is directly linked to a deficit in seasonal rainfall, which has left many catchments dry.
Such low levels threaten the state’s ability to meet agricultural irrigation needs, supply drinking water to urban and rural areas, and generate hydro‑electric power. Farmers in water‑intensive districts are already reporting concerns over crop sowing schedules.
State water‑resource officials are closely monitoring the situation and have warned that continued rain scarcity could exacerbate the strain on water‑dependent sectors. They are urging conservation measures and are reviewing possible inter‑state water‑sharing arrangements.
The data underscores the broader impact of erratic monsoon patterns on Tamil Nadu’s water security, prompting calls for enhanced rain‑water harvesting and reservoir management strategies.
Such low levels threaten the state’s ability to meet agricultural irrigation needs, supply drinking water to urban and rural areas, and generate hydro‑electric power. Farmers in water‑intensive districts are already reporting concerns over crop sowing schedules.
State water‑resource officials are closely monitoring the situation and have warned that continued rain scarcity could exacerbate the strain on water‑dependent sectors. They are urging conservation measures and are reviewing possible inter‑state water‑sharing arrangements.
The data underscores the broader impact of erratic monsoon patterns on Tamil Nadu’s water security, prompting calls for enhanced rain‑water harvesting and reservoir management strategies.