The water level at Bhavanisagar Dam in Erode, Tamil Nadu, has dropped to less than 46 feet, causing concerns about water scarcity in the region. The current water level stands at 45.28 feet, significantly lower than the full reservoir level of 105 feet. The inflow into the dam is at 48 thousand million cubic feet (tmc), while the discharge for drinking water purposes is 200 cubic feet per second (cusecs). However, due to poor storage, the discharge for irrigation purposes has been stopped into the Lower Bhavani Project (LBP) canal, Kalingarayan canal, Arakkankottai, and Thadapalli canals. The storage in the dam is only 3.39 tmc feet against its total capacity of 32.80 tmc feet.

The drop in water levels in Bhavanisagar Dam has raised concerns about water scarcity for drinking water and irrigation needs. The local authorities will need to monitor the situation closely to ensure an adequate water supply to the residents and farmers in the region. The Erode district, where the dam is located, heavily relies on agriculture for its economy, making water availability crucial for the livelihoods of the people.

The Bhavanisagar Dam, constructed on the Bhavani river, is one of the major water reservoirs in Tamil Nadu. It provides water for drinking purposes, as well as irrigation for agricultural activities in the region. The low storage in the dam and reduced discharge for irrigation purposes may have a significant impact on the agricultural output in the area, affecting the livelihoods of the farmers.

Efforts should be made to conserve water and manage water resources effectively to mitigate the impact of water scarcity. Initiatives such as rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation techniques can help in conserving water and reducing dependence on reservoirs like Bhavanisagar Dam. The government and local authorities should also explore alternative sources of water to ensure a sustainable water supply in the region.