Cauvery River Water Diversion: Tamil Nadu's Efforts to Ensure Uninterrupted Supply Amidst Low Inflow Levels

The Cauvery River, a vital source of water for Tamil Nadu and surrounding regions, is facing a significant challenge due to low inflow levels. In an effort to address this issue and ensure an uninterrupted supply of water to Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts, the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage (TWAD) Board has taken a proactive approach by piling up sandbags in the Cauvery bed to divert the water flow towards the pumping station.

This move comes in response to the constant decline in inflow levels in the Cauvery at Hogenakkal, which has been hovering around 100 cusecs over the past few weeks. As a result, the Hogenakkal Drinking Water and Fluorosis Mitigation Project pumping stations have seen a reduction in efficiency, prompting TWAD officials to find alternative solutions to maintain the 145 MLD of water supply to the affected areas.

However, the decision to divert water to the pumping station has raised concerns among local residents, who are worried that this might impact the water supply and tourism activities in the region. PS Muniappan from Hogenakkal expressed his concerns, stating that the diversion could potentially affect the flow of water into the falls, leading to a decline in tourism and impacting the livelihood of over 800 families.

B Sivalingam from Pennagaram also echoed similar sentiments, recalling a similar situation two years ago when sandbags were used to divert water to the pumping station, resulting in a severe drought. With the region already experiencing a dry spell since December 2025, Sivalingam urged the administration to ensure an uninterrupted water supply to the affected areas.

Addressing these concerns, TWAD officials associated with the Hogenakkal Drinking Water Supply Project assured that the sandbags are being used to improve the efficiency of the pumps and maintain stable water levels. They emphasized that the project has been designed to ensure uninterrupted water supply even at low inflow levels of 50 cusecs, and that the diversion of water to the pumping station would not impact tourism or reduce the flow in the waterfalls.

The Cauvery River has been a vital source of water for Tamil Nadu and surrounding regions for centuries. With the region's population and industrial activities on the rise, the demand for water has increased, putting a strain on the river's resources. The TWAD Board's efforts to maintain an uninterrupted water supply to Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts are a testament to the administration's commitment to addressing the water crisis in the region.

As the region continues to grapple with the challenges of low inflow levels and water scarcity, it is essential to adopt a multi-faceted approach to address the issue. This includes investing in water conservation measures, implementing efficient irrigation systems, and promoting sustainable water management practices. By working together, the administration, local residents, and stakeholders can ensure a stable and secure water supply for the region, supporting the livelihoods of thousands of people and promoting economic growth and development.