Salem, Sept. 1 -- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Tuesday opened water from Mettur Dam for drinking water needs and for Samba cultivation in the Cauvery Delta for 2026-27.

The Chief Minister released water at Mettur Dam in Salem district this morning. The water level at Mettur Dam stood at 91.56 feet, storage at 54.452 TMC and inflow at 10,857 cusecs. The storage and inflow will be continuously monitored, and the release will be regulated step by step as per irrigation needs.

The Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Water Resources and Revenue and Disaster Management departments have been instructed to work in coordination with district administrations.

According to a statement issued by CMO, every cubic foot of water released ...