Chennai Requests Delay in Krishna Water Release Amid High Reservoir Levels
Chennai's water resources department has formally asked the Andhra Pradesh government to hold back the scheduled second instalment of Krishna river water. This request comes as the city's major reservoirs are brimming with water, currently holding about 91% of their total capacity. Officials cite the need to prevent potential wastage given the ample existing supplies.
Current Reservoir Status and Storage Details
The five key storage tanks that serve Chennai have collected significant water following recent rainfall. Poondi reservoir has achieved full 100% storage after the northeast monsoon spells. Both Red Hills and Chembarambakkam reservoirs also reached their maximum capacities earlier, though their levels have slightly decreased as they continue to supply drinking water to the urban population.
Collectively, these reservoirs now hold approximately 11 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) of water. This substantial storage has prompted water management authorities to reassess their immediate requirements from interstate water sharing agreements.
Revised Schedule for Water Release
Originally, the second release of Krishna water was planned to occur between January and April of this year. However, with current reservoir conditions, officials indicate this release will likely be deferred until March. The decision follows a similar pattern observed during the first allocation period last year.
Between July and October 2023, during the initial spell of Krishna water release, Chennai reservoirs received 3.7 tmcft from the Kandaleru dam in Andhra Pradesh. During that period, authorities maintained an average daily release of 300-400 cubic feet of water. When reservoir levels approached 80% capacity in October, the discharge was intentionally halted to avoid unnecessary wastage.
Official Statement and Future Planning
C Podupanithilagam, chief engineer for the Chennai region of the Water Resources Department, provided clarification on the current strategy. "The available water is sufficient to meet the city's drinking water needs at this stage," Podupanithilagam stated. "But Metrowater may draw extra supply if demand increases during the summer months. Hence, we have asked the AP government to release Krishna water from the first week of March."
This approach allows Chennai to manage its existing resources while keeping options open for hotter periods when water consumption typically rises. The city's water authority wants to ensure adequate supply without creating overflow situations in already-full reservoirs.
Water Sharing Agreement Between States
According to the established agreement between Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh governments, the neighboring state is required to supply 12 tmcft of Krishna water during the annual first spell. However, last year Chennai only drew 3.7 tmcft due to limited demand and sufficient local storage.
Similarly, for the upcoming second spell, the water resources department expects to receive approximately 3 tmcft of water this year. The timing of this release will now be coordinated based on actual consumption patterns and reservoir levels rather than following a fixed calendar schedule.
This adaptive management approach reflects changing water availability patterns and aims to optimize resource use across both states while meeting Chennai's urban water requirements throughout the year.
