Water released from Shenbagathhoppu dam due to rain

The Shenbagathhoppu Dam has reached approximately 80 percent of its storage capacity. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Due to incessant rains, water has been released from the Shenbagathhoppu dam in Tiruvannamalai.

Officials of the Water Resources Department (WRD), which manages the dam, said around 100 cusecs of water per second were released from the Shenbagathhoppu dam as the dam reached around 80 percent of its total storage capacity.

Currently, the water level in the dam is 56.24 ft against its total storage capacity of 62.32 ft. “According to the norms, excess rainwater should be released when the dam approaches 80% of its total storage capacity to ensure the safety of the structure. The watershed, especially the Jawadhu Hills,” which is Raja Dam’s primary source of water, Astead Assistant, Gastead Rayna Assistant Dam receives water. (AE), WRD, told The Hindu.

Tiruvannamalai Collector Vandhana Garg has warned residents of Cheyyar, Arani, Vandavasi and Polur towns along the Kamandalam Naganathi river against crossing the watercourse as the water flow in the river is rising.

At present, surplus water from the dam is released into 48 reservoirs – Polur (18), Arani (12), Arcot (9), Cheyyar (8) and Vandavasi (1) – through four check dams in the district, including Alliyabhad and Karnakur, recharging the water table in and around these villages.

On Saturday, rain lashed Vellore, Gudiyatham, Arcot, Ambur, Vaniyambadi, Chengam and surrounding villages in Vellore, Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai and Tirupattur districts.

Published – 8 Nov 2026 01:00 IST