Incessant rains bring relief to water starved districts

Water level of several reservoirs in Tuticorin, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts, including Papanasam and Servalaaru dams, have gone up following good inflow due to rains since last night, in this peak summer season.
Catchment areas of the dams in the western ghats received continuous rains for five hours and tourists to Coutralam falls, as also other falls, were banned from taking bath following torrential flow of water, officials said.
According to an official of Agricultural department, the rains, described as "historic", brought great relief to the districts reeling under severe heat conditions for the past two months.
PWD officials said the rain, which started in the afternoon yesterday, continued intermittently till today in the districts.

Inflow into Mullaperiyar dam, where 41 mm of rain, was recorded, was 153.5 cusecs while the discharge was 250 cusecs. Water level in the dam stood at 111.10 ft against the maximum level of 136 ft.
The water level at Vaigai dam was 21.06 feet against the full level of 71 feet. Inflow was 52 cusecs while the discharge maintained at 40 cusecs for drinking water purposes.

Officials took strong action against those who diverted water for their fields by pumping from the river bed.
Madurai City and its surrounding areas also received heavy rains. Water level in Papnasam dam increased by eight feet and touched 40.10 ft. Servalaru dam increased by 32 ft and touched 79.40 ft.

In Tuticorin, low lying areas are surrounded by water and and movement of traffic was very slow following water-logging of roads.