Krishna water inflow boosts Chennai reservoirs amid weak monsoon

Chennai's water reservoirs are receiving a steady boost from higher Krishna water inflow, even as the southwest monsoon has remained weak over the region. The increased flow, which began in the past few days, has brought some relief to water managers who were bracing for a difficult season.

Reservoir levels show improvement

The four main reservoirs that supply drinking water to Chennai — Poondi, Cholavaram, Red Hills, and Chembarambakkam — have seen their combined storage levels rise modestly over the past week. According to official data, the inflow from the Krishna river system, which is channelised through the Telugu Ganga project, has been higher than in recent weeks.

This has helped offset the impact of poor rainfall in the catchment areas, which receive most of their water during the northeast monsoon between October and December. The southwest monsoon, which typically brings some rain to the region from June to September, has been below normal this year.

Why Krishna water matters

The Krishna water supply is a critical lifeline for Chennai, especially in years when local rainfall is scanty. Water from the Krishna river in Andhra Pradesh is drawn through a series of canals and reservoirs before reaching the city's storage points. Any increase in this flow directly translates into more water available for daily use.

Officials from the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board (TWAD) have noted that the current inflow is helping maintain supply schedules without major cuts. However, they have also cautioned that the situation remains dependent on how the monsoon behaves in the coming weeks.

Monsoon deficit persists

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has recorded a rainfall deficit of about 10-12 per cent for the state as a whole since June 1. Some districts in the northern and coastal belts, including those around Chennai, have fared worse, with deficits touching 20 per cent in certain pockets.

This has raised concerns among farmers and urban planners alike, even as the city's water supply has so far been maintained. The reservoirs' combined storage, while improved, is still below their full capacity, and water managers are keeping a close watch on daily inflow and consumption data.

Supply outlook remains cautious

For now, metrowater officials have said there is no immediate plan to reduce the daily supply of around 830 million litres to the city. But they have not ruled out stricter measures if the monsoon continues to underperform and Krishna inflow tapers off.

The state government has also been in touch with Andhra Pradesh authorities to ensure the scheduled release of Krishna water continues. Any disruption in that release could force the city to fall back on groundwater and local reservoirs, which are already under stress.

Residents, meanwhile, have been urged to use water judiciously, though no formal restrictions have been announced. Consumer associations have welcomed the current inflow but are waiting to see how the next few weeks unfold.

All eyes are now on the northeast monsoon, which typically brings the bulk of Chennai's annual rainfall. A good northeast monsoon could fill the reservoirs and ease pressure on the Krishna water supply. Until then, the city remains dependent on the steady flow from the Krishna system to tide over the dry stretch.