Tamil Nadu is grappling with a severe water shortage as storage levels in 15 major dams have plummeted to 35.36 percent of their total capacity. The state's reservoirs currently hold 68,266 million cubic feet (mcft) of water, a significant decline compared to previous levels. In Chennai, the six key reservoirs supplying drinking water are at 37.6 percent capacity, holding only 4,977 mcft out of a total 13,222 mcft capacity. The crisis is attributed to a deficient Southwest Monsoon and the impact of El Niño, which have severely affected agriculture and groundwater levels across the state.
Residents in Chennai and cities like Coimbatore are increasingly dependent on private water tankers as borewells run dry. Farmers in regions such as Pollachi and Udumalaipet are also facing difficulties, with many forced to pay for water to sustain coconut groves. Experts warn that unless the upcoming Northeast Monsoon, expected to arrive between October 15 and 21, provides substantial rainfall, the state could face an even more acute shortage in the first half of 2027.
Water resources expert S. Janakarajan has emphasized the need for permanent, systemic solutions to address the recurring water crisis rather than temporary fixes. While desalination plants are expected to help meet some of Chennai's demand, officials and weather experts stress that a bountiful Northeast Monsoon is critical to recharging groundwater and stabilizing the state's water supply.
