Wed Jan 07 17:49:00 UTC 2026: # Farmers in Tamil Nadu Request Early Water Release from Sathanur Dam Ahead of Pongal Festival
The Story:
Farmers in the Tiruvannamalai, Kallakuruchi, and Villupuram districts of Tamil Nadu have requested the district administration to release water from the Sathanur Dam on January 14, 2026, a day before the Pongal festival. The request was made during a consultative meeting chaired by Collector K. Tharpagaraj. Farmers believe that releasing water before the festival will enable them to commence paddy cultivation before the onset of the summer season. Water Resources Department officials indicated that the decision to release water might be influenced by expected rainfall on January 10-11, 2026.
Key Points:
- Farmers requested water release from Sathanur Dam on January 14, 2026.
- The request was made due to deficient rainfall during the monsoon season.
- Sathanur Dam is at full storage capacity of 119 feet, holding 7,321 mcft of water.
- 35 mcft is reserved for drinking water, and 1,200 mcft for farmers along the Thirukovilur river basin (Kallakuruchi and Villupuram districts).
- Remaining water will be released for farmers in Tiruvannamalai district to cultivate around 45,000 acres.
- Water will be released for 110 days at an average of 520 cusecs per day.
- The dam stores 4 tmc of water annually for irrigation and feeds 88 tanks in the region.
Key Takeaways:
- The agricultural sector in Tamil Nadu remains highly dependent on timely water release from dams.
- The Pongal festival holds cultural and agricultural significance, influencing water management decisions.
- Coordination between farmers, district administration, and the Water Resources Department is crucial for effective water distribution.
- Weather predictions play a significant role in determining water release strategies.
- The Sathanur Dam is a vital irrigation source for multiple districts, supporting a large area of farmland.
First Piper 