Good rainfall in catchment areas of Papanasam Dam
Heavy rainfall in the Western Ghats has significantly increased water levels in the Papanasam and Servalar dams after a prolonged dry spell. Local authorities have issued safety warnings and banned public access to several waterfalls and temples due to dangerous water flow.
Why it matters
Effective water resource management and public safety protocols are essential during sudden weather shifts in monsoon-prone regions.
After a prolonged dry spell, the catchment areas of the dams experienced good rainfall on Saturday.
With precipitation drenching the catchment areas that brought 5,000 cusecs of water, Papanasam Dam’s storage level rose from 63 feet on Friday to 68 feet on Saturday morning. Water level in the Servalar Dam with just 1,225 mcft capacity rose from 76.77 feet to 102.03 feet on Saturday – an increase of 26 feet in 24 hours.
Forest Department, besides banning bathing in the Manimuthar Falls, has restrained the devotees from visiting Nambi Temple in the Western Ghats beyond Thirukkurungudi due to the rain continuing in the hills.
“All the wild streams are dangerously flowing. Hence, the devotees can visit the temple only after the flood subsides,” a forest official said.
Barring Radhapuram, all other areas away from the Western Ghats like Tirunelveli and Palayamkottai had to content with drizzle.
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