Coimbatore: Amidst concerns over a looming water crisis this summer, Coimbatore Collector Kranthi Kumar Pati has offered assurance, asserting that the city will not face water scarcity.

Citing the current water level in Siruvani dam, the district administration confidently stated that drinking water can be reliably supplied for the next 102 days, extending till July 8, coinciding with the anticipated onset of the south-west monsoon.

In a statement, Collector Pati debunked rumours suggesting insufficient water reserves in the dam, emphasising that such reports are unfounded. He highlighted that the current water level stands at 868.75 meters, well within the agreed-upon threshold with Kerala. Even at the lowest drawdown level of 863.40 meters, a substantial reservoir of 250.379 million cubic feet will remain available, ensuring ample water supply.

Addressing concerns about siltation, Pati referenced assessments by Kerala Engineering Research Institute officials, who confirmed minimal soil deposition in the dam, posing negligible impact on its capacity. With only a fraction of the dam's height allocated for drinking water purposes, concerns regarding siltation-induced constraints were dismissed.

Acknowledging the impact of rainfall deficiency in catchment areas during previous monsoon seasons, Pati highlighted ongoing water management efforts. Despite controlled water intake measures by the Kerala Irrigation Department, the current supply of 40 million litres per day ensures smooth drinking water provision until the arrival of the next monsoon.

Pati also underscored the significance of the recently inaugurated Pillur III drinking water scheme, which further bolsters Coimbatore's water security. With a daily capacity to deliver 30 to 40 million litres, the scheme fortifies the city's resilience against potential water shortages in the foreseeable future. /BI