especially in the mid-1990s, due to the Kaveri River water dispute between the States of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Because of subsequent dams constructed across the Cauvery and its tributaries in Karnataka, namely Harangi Dam, Hemavathi Dam, Kabini Dam, following the KRS Dam; Mettur Dam does not receive much water during lean seasons. As a result, the dam nearly goes dry during certain periods of the year, often when water is most needed by the farmers and the general public of Tamil Nadu. This has created serious dispute and tension between the neighbouring states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Governments of the respective states, the Supreme Court, and the Cauvery Tribunal have so far not been successful in resolving the dispute. The tribunal has specified an annual release of 192 tmcft by Karnataka to Tamil Nadu. In the years of deficit in realisation the dispute aggravates in both the states. The major reasons for the deficit are inadequate realisation of Southwest monsoon in the primary catchment areas of the river viz., Kodagu and Wayanad and the over reliance of the river water for irrigation and drinking water schemes in both the states. Mettur Surplus Water Scheme Mettur Surplus Water Scheme (Also called Sarabanga Lift irrigation project) was announced in the year 2019 by then Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami at the cost of Rs. 545 crores. The scheme aimed at diverting surplus flood waters released from Mettur dam into 100 dry lakes in the region & use the water for irrigational & drinking water purposes. When Mettur dam gets filled, the water from the dam is taken to Thimmampatti pump house via canals. Thimmampatti pump house contains two sections, one with ten 940 HP motors & other with six 1080 HP motors. These sections will pump excess water to M.Kallipatti lake & Nangavalli lake respectively via pipelines. The water discharge from M.Kallipatti & Nangavalli lake is anticipated to fill multiple lakes & ponds. Another Pumping station planned near M.Kallipatti lake will pump water to 42 lakes through Vellalapuram and Kannantheri. The scheme is expected to support agriculture in 4,238 acres of land in 40 villages & provide drinking water to 38 villages. The project got inaugurated in February 2021 Gallery See also Banasura Sagar Dam Stanley Reservoir Krishna Raja Sagara Grand Anicut Notes External links Metturdam.Com metturtravels.com Mettur.Com Ministry of Water Resources – Government of India Water released from Mettur