7.6   Water Resource

. Water Resource Water is the precious gift of nature to humankind and millions of other species living on the earth. Tamil Nadu constitutes % of India’s land area and is inhabited by % of India’s population, but has only . % percent of India’s water resources. More than % of the surface water and % of the ground water have already been put into use. Surface Water Resources Numbers River Basin Reservoirs Tanks , Tube wells and other wells , , Open wells , , Total (Million Cubic metres) 2046788 MCM Multipurpose River Valley Projects Multipurpose river valley projects are basically designed for the development of irrigation for agriculture and hydropower generation. However, they are used for many other purposes as well. Mettur Dam The Mettur Dam was constructed in a gorge, where river Cauvery enters the plains. It is one of the oldest dam in India. It provides irrigation to Salem, Erode, Karur, Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts farmlands. Mettur Dam Bhavani Sagar Dam The Bhavani Sagar Dam is located km away from Coimbatore city in the district of Erode. It has been constructed across the river Bhavani. This dam is one of the biggest earthen dams in the country. Amaravathi Dam The Amaravathi dam is situated km away from Udumalpet in Tirupur district. The dam has been constructed across the river Amaravathi, a tributary of Cauvery. The dam was built primarily for irrigation and flood control. A small hydropower station has also been installed recently. Krishnagiri Dam Krishnagiri dam is situated at a distance of km from Krishnagiri towards Dharmapuri. Sathanur Dam Sathanur Dam was constructed across the river Thenpennai in Chengam taluk. It is in the midst of Chennakesava hills. It irrigates the land in Thandrampet and Tiruvannamalai blocks. There is also a large crocodile farm and a fish grotto. Parks are maintained inside the dam for tourists and the gardens are used by the film industry.  Human Geography of Tamil Nadu Since the state is entirely dependent on rains for recharging its water resources, monsoon failures lead to acute water scarcity and severe droughts. So, it is important to save water for us and the future generation. N S E W Not to Scale POONDI SATYAMOORTHY SAGAR CHEMBARAMBAKKAM METTUR SATTANUR KRISHNAGIRI GOMUKHI WELLINGTON BAVANI SAGAR PARAMPIKULAM AMARAVATHI VAIGAI KOTHAIYAR PAPANASAM LEGEND DAMS LAKES MANIMUTHARU MULLAI PERIYAR TAMIL NADU MULTIPURPOSE RIVER VALLEY PROJECTS