Tamil Nadu Announces Mettur Dam Water Release for 45 Days from September 1

What Happened?

The Tamil Nadu government announced around 26 August 2026 its decision to release Cauvery water from the Mettur Dam (Stanley Reservoir) for 45 days starting 1 September 2026, to support Samba paddy cultivation and drinking water needs in the Cauvery delta districts.

Key Highlights

• The release, delayed nearly 80 days beyond the customary 12 June schedule, was due to inadequate rainfall and low reservoir storage.
• The Mettur Dam irrigates nearly 16 lakh acres across 13 delta districts including Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Nagapattinam.
• The government also allocated Rs 42 crore to the Water Resources Department for precautionary works ahead of the northeast monsoon in Chennai and vulnerable districts.
• The release comes amid the ongoing Tamil Nadu-Karnataka dispute over Cauvery water sharing.

Tamil Nadu Relevance

The Mettur Dam, built across the Cauvery River in Salem district, is considered the lifeline of delta farmers; water is conventionally released on 12 June for kuruvai cultivation.

3 TNPSC MCQs

1. The Mettur Dam is built across which river?
   (a) Vaigai (b) Cauvery (c) Tamiraparani (d) Palar
   Answer: (b) Cauvery
   Explanation: Mettur Dam (Stanley Reservoir) is built across the Cauvery in Salem district.
2. Water from the Mettur Dam is conventionally released each year on:
   (a) 1 April (b) 12 June (c) 15 August (d) 1 October
   Answer: (b) 12 June
   Explanation: The customary opening date is 12 June for kuruvai cultivation.
3. Which crop does the September water release primarily support?
   (a) Kuruvai (b) Samba (c) Thaladi (d) Sugarcane
   Answer: (b) Samba
   Explanation: The 45-day release from 1 September supports Samba paddy cultivation.