The Times of India 11.03.2013
Poor water storage in Vaigai causes concern
of rains last week might have quelled the rising mercury levels. But the
water managers are worried that the brief spell could do very little in
mitigating the impending water shortage in Madurai.
The worry
is not without reason. Despite the rains, the water level in Vaigai
reservoir, the lifeline of Madurai and neighbouring southern districts
remains at 46.9 feet and is slowly coming down further. PWD (public
works department) authorities say that during the corresponding period
last year, the water level was much higher at 52 feet. The dam at
present holds 1,612 million cubic feet in contrast to 2,241 million
cubic feet during the same period last year. PWD authorities say that
the inflow into the dam was also not very encouraging. Water is being
released at the rate of 60 cubic feet per second to meet the drinking
water needs in the district.
Though water shortage stares at
the city, Madurai municipal corporation authorities are maintaining that
there would not be any problem. “We are aware of the water situation.
But what we would like to tell the residents is not to worry. All
arrangements have been made to ensure regular supply of water. We would
supply water through tankers if any locality receives inadequate
supply,” said corporation commissioner R Nanthagopal.
But
residents have already started feeling the pinch. Flash protests broke
out at several residential areas as water supply diminished. “After our
protest, water is being supplied to us in tankers. But we are worried if
the supply would be regular in the coming months,” said a resident of
Race Course Colony.
In the week ending March 6, Madurai had
received 14mm rainfall as against the normal 4.7mm during the period
every year. But the rains have also done little to improve the
groundwater level. “There is no substantial increase in the groundwater
level. The surface was very parched due to successive monsoon failure
and much of the rainfall was absorbed,” said an official.
“Only if there is more rain in the coming days, we can assuage the situation,” said the PWD official.
Meanwhile, residents are also worried about conducting the Chithirai
Thiruvizha, when Lord Kallazhagar getting into river Vaigai is an
important part of the festival. Every year, the festival is celebrated
during the Tamil month of Chithirai (April). However, officials have
planned to release additional water from Vaigai dam during the festival
to facilitate the event.
