Northeast monsoon intensifies in Theni district, Kumbakkarai falls closed for tourists

As the Northeast monsoon intensified in Theni district on Thursday, inflow of water into Vaigai and Mullaperiyar dams increased leading to a significant rise in the water levels. Dindigul district also recorded rainfall on Wednesday.

The Northeast monsoon commenced in Theni district on October 15 with Periyakulam recording very high rainfall of 147 mm. Similarly in Dindigul district, Palani recorded very heavy rainfall of 118 mm. Continuous rainfall over the next few days has led to increased water flow into the water sources, including dams, ponds and irrigation tanks across the Theni district. This has also led to a substantial rise in the groundwater levels.

Due to rainfall in the region, Kumbakkarai falls has been closed for tourists. Though water flow remained steady, the Forest Department officials took the decision to close the falls for public access as a precautionary measure following ‘Orange Alert’ issued for Theni district.

The Forest Department officials said earlier the tourists were permitted to visit the falls due to the steady water flow in the region. However, following the ‘Orange Alert’ issued for the district, the public access to the falls was closed from Thursday afternoon. The tourists were alerted about this and were asked to leave the premises, they said.