Tue Dec 03 19:10:59 UTC 2024: ## AIADMK Accuses Tamil Nadu DMK Government of Mishandling Sathanur Dam Flood Release

**Chennai, December 4, 2024** – A political storm is brewing in Tamil Nadu following the release of floodwaters from the Sathanur dam in Tiruvannamalai district. The AIADMK has accused the ruling DMK government of negligence, claiming the release of 1.68 lakh cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water was done without sufficient warning, leading to widespread flooding in Kallakurichi, Villupuram, and Cuddalore districts.

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami stated that the flooding of Cuddalore and Villupuram towns was directly attributable to the South Pennai river’s overflow. He criticized the lack of prior alert to affected communities.

However, Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan countered these claims, explaining that the release was a necessary safety measure following heavy rainfall upstream. He detailed a series of flood alerts issued on December 1st, culminating in the 1.68 lakh cusecs release after the inflow into the dam reached the same level. The minister emphasized that the release was crucial for dam safety and prevented larger-scale destruction. He also accused unnamed individuals of spreading misinformation regarding the cause of the heavy rainfall.

Government officials further clarified that the 1.68 lakh cusecs release, while significant, was less than the 2.54 lakh cusecs released in 1972. They also pointed out that an additional spillway, increasing capacity by 75,000 cusecs, was added between 1998 and 2000. Data shows that even with the Sathanur dam releasing 19,000 cusecs, the Sornavur anicut recorded a flow of 44,000 cusecs on Tuesday evening, highlighting the extent of the upstream rainfall. The government maintains that its actions prevented significant human loss.

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