In a ceremony steeped in tradition and urgency, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay opened the sluice gates of the Stanley Reservoir at Mettur Dam on Tuesday, releasing Cauvery water for delta irrigation nearly three months behind schedule. The event, usually held on June 12, was delayed this year due to critically low water levels, leaving farmers anxious and highlighting the ongoing tensions over water sharing in the region.

Key facts

  • Water released on September 1, 2026—80 days after customary June 12 date
  • Initial discharge of 3,000 cusecs, increasing to 7,000 cusecs by evening
  • Water will flow for 45 days, until October 15, based on availability
  • Reservoir level at 91.56 feet against full capacity of 120 feet

A Delayed but Vital Release

This marks the 62nd time in the dam's 93-year history that water has been discharged after the traditional date, and only the fourth time it's happened in September. The delay stems from inadequate inflow into the reservoir, which stood at just 54.45 tmcft against a full capacity of 93.47 tmcft when the gates opened. For delta farmers relying on this water for samba cultivation, the release brings both relief and concern—relief that water is finally flowing, but concern about how long it will last.

The Ceremony and Its Significance

At 11:30 a.m., after traveling from Salem Airport through towns greeted by enthusiastic crowds, Chief Minister Vijay performed the opening ritual. He threw flowers and grains into the gushing water, a symbolic act watched by thousands who had gathered along 40 kilometers of barricaded roads. The CM then met with farmers, who pressed for extended water release beyond 45 days and requested diversion of surplus water to Thalaivasal water bodies.

"To ensure the rights of Delta farmers, the government is taking all legal and administrative steps," the Tamil Nadu government stated in a press release, underscoring its commitment to securing water shares from neighboring Karnataka.

Historical Context and Current Challenges

Of the dam's 93 annual openings, water has been released on the scheduled date only 20 times—and before the date just 11 times. This year's severe delay echoes similar crises in 2002, 2012, and 2016, all years when water was also released in September. With inflow reduced to 10,857 cusecs and storage well below capacity, the 45-day release window remains tentative, dependent on unpredictable rainfall and interstate water negotiations.