Salem, Tamil Nadu | September 1, 2026: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay opened the sluice gates of the Stanley Reservoir at Mettur in Salem district on Tuesday, releasing Cauvery water for irrigation in the delta districts of the state. The water release is planned for 45 days, subject to the reservoir’s storage level and inflow conditions.
Vijay opened the gates in the presence of members of his Cabinet, including Water Resources Minister N Anand. The release marks his first visit to Mettur and his first time opening the historic reservoir since becoming Chief Minister.
Water Released for Cauvery Delta
The water released from Mettur is intended to support irrigation in the Cauvery delta region, where agriculture depends heavily on the river system.
According to officials, the release is planned for 45 days from September 1, subject to the reservoir’s storage level and incoming water flows. The water is expected to reach several delta districts, including areas where paddy cultivation is carried out.
The Cauvery delta includes major agricultural districts such as Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam.
Opening Delayed This Year
The Mettur Dam is traditionally opened on June 12 each year to support the cultivation of the kuruvai paddy crop in the Cauvery delta.
This year’s opening was delayed because of inadequate rainfall in the Cauvery basin and low storage levels in the reservoir. The state government had earlier said that releasing water at that stage would not have been feasible while maintaining essential drinking-water supplies.
The decision to open the dam on September 1 came after water levels in the reservoir improved.
As of September 1, the reservoir’s water level was reported at 91.56 feet, against its full level of 120 feet.
Release Linked to Irrigation Needs
The state government has instructed the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department to make preparations in the delta districts for the irrigation season, including ensuring the availability of seeds, fertilisers and other agricultural inputs.
Farmers have also been advised to use water carefully and consider suitable paddy varieties based on the available irrigation period.
Cauvery Water Situation
The release comes amid an ongoing dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over the sharing of Cauvery river water.
Tamil Nadu has been pursuing its claims before the Cauvery Water Regulatory Committee, Cauvery Water Management Authority and the Supreme Court, while water availability in the basin remains an important factor in determining releases.
The state government has said that the decision to release water was taken after considering the reservoir’s improving storage, expected inflows and the requirements of farmers in the delta region.
The 45-day release period is subject to changes depending on storage levels and inflows into the reservoir.
First Mettur Dam Opening for CM Vijay
The opening marks an important administrative event for Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, who assumed office on May 10.
During his visit to Mettur, Vijay also interacted with farmers at the reservoir premises. The water release is expected to provide irrigation support to agricultural areas dependent on the Cauvery system during the coming cultivation period.
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