After 27 Years, Poondi, Puzhal and Chembarambakkam Lakes Fill Simultaneously; No Summer Water Shortage for Chennai
For the first time in 27 years, Chennai’s three major drinking water reservoirs - Poondi, Puzhal, and Chembarambakkam lakes - have become fully filled simultaneously, following continuous inflow from their catchment areas. Officials from the Water Resources Department confirmed this rare occurrence, bringing significant relief to the city.
Although rainfall in Tiruvallur district caused by Cyclone Ditwah had stopped about a week ago, steady inflow from catchment regions in Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts continues to feed these key reservoirs that supply drinking water to Chennai.
On December 9, Poondi Lake (capacity: 3,231 million cubic feet, height: 35 feet) and Puzhal Lake (capacity: 3,300 million cubic feet, height: 21.20 feet) reached full capacity. As a safety measure, surplus water has been continuously released from both lakes.
Subsequently, Chembarambakkam Lake, with a storage capacity of 3,645 million cubic feet and a height of 24 feet, also reached full capacity on Tuesday evening. Surplus water is now being released from this reservoir as well.
Officials noted that this is the first time since 1998 that all three major Chennai water reservoirs have filled together. With all reservoirs at full capacity, authorities have assured that Chennai is unlikely to face drinking water scarcity during the upcoming summer season, offering much-needed reassurance to residents.
