Mettur Dam: the Water Source for Tamil Nadu’s rice belt
The Mettur Dam in Tamil Nadu is set to release water for the state's rice belt following a delay caused by a poor monsoon. The dam, a historical engineering feat completed in 1934, remains a critical lifeline for irrigation and hydroelectric power across 12 districts.
Why it matters
The dam's water management is essential for the food security of Tamil Nadu's agricultural sector, which relies heavily on the Cauvery river system.
The story so far: Water from the Mettur Dam in Salem district of Tamil Nadu is released on June 12 every year to facilitate timely water for the rice crops in the delta districts.
Water from this historical reservoir is the lifeline for many districts. With poor monsoon, the release has been delayed this year and Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay will open water from dam on Tuesday (September 1, 2026).
With the water level at nearly 90 feet, it will be released for about 45 days, which is critical for the paddy crop.
Ground Zero: A dry spell along the Cauvery
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