{
  "id": 18776377,
  "title": "Water released from Shenbagathoppu dam due to rain",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/water-released-from-shenbagathoppu-dam-due-to-rain",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-07T19:30:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/water-released-from-shenbagathoppu-dam-due-to-rain/article71678323.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Around 100 cusecs of water per second were released from the Shenbagathoppu dam in Tiruvannamalai due to continuous rain, as the dam neared 80% of its total storage capacity, according to officials from the Water Resources Department (WRD). The dam's water level currently stands at 56.24 ft, as opposed to its full capacity of 62.32 ft. A. Raja Ganapathy, Assistant Engineer at WRD, explained that releasing excess rainwater when the dam reaches 80% capacity is crucial for ensuring the structure's safety, particularly as the primary water source, Jawadhu Hills, has been experiencing steady rainfall. Tiruvannamalai Collector Vandhana Garg has issued a warning to residents in Cheyyar, Arani, Vandavasi, and Polur towns along the Kamandalam Naganathi river, advising them to avoid crossing the waterbody due to rising water levels. The excess water from the dam is being discharged into 48 tanks, including Polur (18), Arani (12), Arcot (9), Cheyyar (8), and Vandavasi (1), via four check dams in the district, which are helping replenish the water table in and around these villages. Rainfall impacted various districts, including Vellore, Gudiyatham, Arcot, Ambur, Vaniyambadi, Chengam, and surrounding areas on Saturday.",
  "summary": "Tiruvannamalai Collector Vandhana Garg has warned residents in Cheyyar, Arani, Vandavasi, and Polur towns along Kamandalam Naganathi river against crossing the waterbody as the waterflow in the river is on the rise",
  "key_points": [
    "100 cusecs of water per second released from Shenbagathoppu dam",
    "Dam neared 80% capacity due to continuous rain",
    "Excess water discharged into 48 tanks for safety and water table replenishment"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}