Madurai, 29 May (H.S.): A looming drinking water crisis has emerged in southern Tamil Nadu after the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage (TWAD) Board declared the water in the Vaigai Dam unfit for human consumption due to severe pollution levels.
According to a report submitted by TWAD Board Executive Engineer Stephen to the district collectors of Madurai and Theni, water stored at the lower levels of the dam has become heavily contaminated and has turned dark green in colour. The report stated that despite multiple purification efforts, officials were unable to restore the water quality to acceptable drinking standards.
“The water at the bottom of the Vaigai Dam has become polluted and dark green in colour. Even after undergoing various purification processes, it could not be completely purified. The water is therefore not suitable for drinking and may pose a risk of infectious diseases if consumed,” the report warned.
The Vaigai Dam, with a full reservoir level of 71 feet, serves as a crucial source of drinking water for several districts, including Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram. However, prolonged summer heat and inadequate inflow have sharply reduced the water level in the reservoir to just 20.83 feet.
Officials have cautioned that if the storage level falls below 20 feet, it would become impossible to draw water for several drinking water schemes dependent on the dam.
The situation has already disrupted water supply in Madurai district. Drinking water distribution to areas under the Madurai Corporation has reportedly been halted, leaving residents across the city and nearby regions such as Usilampatti and Sedapatti struggling with severe shortages.
In Theni district, authorities have resorted to supplying water only to select areas on a rotational basis using the limited quantity available in the reservoir. Officials indicated that the remaining storage may be sufficient only for a few more days if fresh inflows are not received.
Amid growing concerns over the worsening situation, there have been increasing calls for the release of additional water from the Mullaiperiyar Dam to meet the drinking water requirements of the affected districts and avert a larger public health and water supply crisis.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
