Rain prompts Shenbagathoppu dam release and river-crossing warning
Original report:
Monsoon rain prompted a water release from Shenbagathoppu dam in Tamil Nadu, The Hindu reported on November 8, 2026. Officials said storage had reached around 80%, while residents along the Kamandalam Naganathi river were warned against crossing as flows increased.
Water Resources Department officials released about 100 cusecs from Shenbagathoppu dam in Tiruvannamalai district following continuous rain, according to The Hindu’s November 8, 2026 report. Officials put storage at around 80% of capacity, with the water level at 56.24 feet against a stated maximum of 62.32 feet. The dam’s main catchment in the Jawadhu Hills had been receiving steady rain.
District Collector Vandhana Garg warned residents in Cheyyar, Arani, Vandavasi and Polur against crossing the Kamandalam Naganathi river because of rising flows. A WRD assistant engineer said releases near the reported storage threshold were required under safety norms to protect the dam structure.
The release also fed a wider water-storage network: the report said surplus water was routed through four check dams into 48 tanks across Polur, Arani, Arcot, Cheyyar and Vandavasi. This distribution was described as recharging groundwater around nearby villages, linking the dam’s operation to local water storage as well as river safety.
Source
The Hindu — 7 November 2026
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