The Mettur Dam built across river Cauvery between Seedhamalai and Palamalai hills, servers as a major water resource to Tamil Nadu. This location was chosen from among six suggested locations. Previously during the British Rule, this was at a place called Nerinjipettai. The present location was chosen as the dam was washed away due to weak basement and heavy floods.

In 1925, the project to build a new dam with a capacity of 3.5 lakh TMC (Thousand Million Cusecs), was started. Later, as there was a flow of 5 lakh TMC of water through the river, the plan was modified accordingly.

The new dam was ready for use in 1934. Every year, the Mettur dam supplies water for Delta irrigation from June 12 to January 28. The quantity of water supply is decided by the rainfall received by the Delta region, and the availability of water in the reservoir. Including the Delta, 16 other districts receive water from this dam, for irrigation.

There are three unique features that distinguish Mettur from other dams, which were constructed during the same period. Number one being, there are 16 sluice gates through which surplus water can be released. Secondly, the deposit of alluvial soil can be avoided as the shutters are placed at the zero point. The third feature is that, the basement of the dam was built wide and strong enough, to store around 93.4 TMC. The gallery to collect the seepage is so wide, that a lorry can easily pass through.

The security measures to protect the dam were increased following a bomb threat in 1980. The Indian government implemented a project named DRIP (Review of progress of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project), to review and rehabilitate many number of the dams in India. This project involves nine Implementing Agencies (IAs) across seven states of India (Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, and Jharkhand). This targets rehabilitation of about 225 dam projects. Preparatory activities have been completed for 207 dams. Tender documents have been completed for 177 dams. Notice inviting tenders have been issued for 173 dams. Already, work is on full swing in 83 dams.

Shashi Shekhar, Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, claims that State government are holding down the progress of DRIP, and the Implementing Agencies should kick start with immediate effect.

A senior PWD authority said that, they have so far not received any such notification indicating that the work is slow in progress. He refused to speak more about the issue. Besides, he briefly enlightened us about the work in progress at the dam site. While speaking about the Mettur Dam, which is the vital source of water to Tamil Nadu, he said that various projects for about 10.72 crore are being implemented.

The filament bulbs are replaced with LEDs, new power generators and modern lighting conductors are to be installed. Modern Seismograph instruments to read details of tremors and earthquakes, meteorological instruments to know the weather details will also be installed. So far, the water level has been measured mechanically by men at work. Totally a team of six men, two in a shift, were involved in this work. Though it was easy to measure the water level during the day, men find it difficult during the night hours. So a Digital Automatic Water Level Recorder will be installed to have accurate and automatic recording of the water level.

Telephone connection with eight lines will be installed to inform the water level to the callers, round the clock. To ensure proper security, CCTV cameras will be installed. The workers, security personnel and officers will be provided CUG mobile connections to enable easy communication among themselves. In a view of increasing security to the 16th gate, a new compound wall will be constructed.

A new Divisional Office is to be built. The Silver Jubilee tower area is also to be renovated. The park will be renovated and new play equipment for children’s’ play area will be added to attract visitors.

The Mettur Dam is soon to get a brand new look.