Salem, August 20, 2025 — In an unprecedented event, Mettur Dam—also known as the Stanley Reservoir—has reached its maximum storage level of 120 feet for the fifth time this year, marking a historic milestone in its 91-year history.
This surge in water levels has been fueled by heavy upstream inflows. Early Wednesday, at around 4 a.m., the dam received an inflow of approximately 1.14 lakh cusecs, prompting authorities to ramp up releases to 90,000 cusecs. Over the next few hours, the outflow was carefully moderated, tapering to around 75,000 cusecs by late morning, and further down to 55,000 cusecs by early afternoon as inflows declined. Meanwhile, Times of India confirms that approximately 64,990 cusecs were being discharged downstream, causing noticeable flooding along the Cauvery river.
This occurrence is not merely a seasonal event—it’s only the fifth time in nearly a century that the dam has filled to its brim in a single year, a testament to the exceptional water inflows of 2025.
Context & Significance:
- Historical Milestone: The dam, constructed in 1934, has seldom reached full capacity this frequently, especially over such a short period—highlighting the intensity of the current monsoon season.
- Upstream Contribution: Heavy rainfall in Karnataka’s catchment areas—particularly in reservoirs like Kabini and KRS—has led to substantial transfers downstream, contributing to Mettur’s rapid filling.
- Flood Risk: The continuous release of surplus amounts of water has heightened flood threats in areas along the Cauvery and its tributaries, necessitating increased vigilance from local administrations.