Coimbatore Collector Pawan Kumar inspected the swollen Bhavani River in Mettupalayam on Thursday and held discussions with officials on measures to restore drinking water supply affected by the recent heavy rain.
Heavy rain in the catchment areas of the Pillur Dam in Mettupalayam has caused a sharp rise in its water level.
After the water level crossed 96 feet on Wednesday, 6,000 cusecs of water was released into the Bhavani River for power generation, resulting in a sudden rise in the river’s flow.
As the river water carried large quantities of mud and silt following the heavy rain, the electric motors at pumping stations drawing water for drinking water schemes in Mettupalayam Municipality, Karamadai Municipality and rural areas were reportedly affected by silt deposits. This disrupted the water supply schemes.
The Mettupalayam and Karamadai municipal administrations have announced that drinking water supply would remain suspended until repair works are completed.
Accompanied by municipal and drinking water supply officials, he inspected the Samanana water pumping station and the Bhavani River bridge, among other locations.
The Collector also discussed precautionary measures to minimise the impact of the northeast monsoon on residents and directed officials to take steps to restore uninterrupted drinking water supply.
