The Mettur Dam was constructed across the river Cauvery which originates in Mercara of Coorg District in Karnataka State at 4400 feet above M.S.L and confluence with Bay of Bengal. The total length of river Cauvery is 812 Kms.
This reservoir benefits Salem, Namakkal, Erode, Karur, Trichy, Ariyalur, Thriuvarur, Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Pudukottai Districts. Mettur, Edappadi, sangagiri, Thiruchengode and Bhavani taluks are benefitted by this reservoir.
The foundation stone for the construction of Mettur Dam was laid by his Excellency the Right Hon’ble VISCOUNT GOSCHEN, Governor of Madras on 20th July 1925. The Mettur Dam was thrown open for Irrigation on 12th June 1934. The inauguration of the system was performed by His Excellency Lt.Col. the Right Hon’ble Sir. Jeorge Fredrick Stanley, Governor of Madras on 21st August 1934.
