For the first time ever since its inception in 1929, Siruvani dam waters would not reach Coimbatore to quench the thirst of its people. The pumping and water supply system has come to a grinding halt and drawing waters from Siruvani dam has already been stopped since January 7. The civic body is now forced to rely on 7 MLD supplied by Pillur dam and the water supply would be carried out to 23 wards once in 12 days.

The Kerala Government has not acceded to the demands of Tamil Nadu to pump water to meet the drinking water needs of Coimbatoreans as the storage has dipped to 10 feet and below in Siruvani dam, the life-line of Coimbatore.

“This scenario is something that has not been witnessed in the eight decades of the dam’s existence, which was constructed with the sole aim of supplying potable water to Coimbatore,” said a Corporation official.

“Last year the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation managed to pump waters from Siruvani dam even as the storage level was poor, but this year, Kerala is putting a premium on the waters and has laid down conditions. Kerala is demanding an additional 100 cusecs from Aliyar dam, over and above its due share, as a precondition to release Siruvani waters.”

“Talks have been initiated to find a solution to the drinking water crisis. If Kerala gives its nod, at least 20 Million Liters per Day (MLD) could be supplied to Coimbatore city,” said G. Rajendran, City Engineer, CCMC.

Speaking to Covai Post, he said, “during normal times, Coimbatore City would draw 87 MLD from Siruvani dam and during distress times it would be reduced to 30 MLD but a situation like this has not been witnessed.”

“If the Kerala Government accedes to our request at least 20 MLD could be pumped from Siruvani and supplied to city denizens . The monsoon failure has only compounded the situation and water shortage situation has raised its ugly head ever before the summer months,” said another official.