The Public Works Department (PWD) on Saturday (October 24, 2026) prohibited bathing at Kodiveri anicut in Erode district following a sharp rise in the flow of the Bhavani river after rainfall in Sathyamangalam and Gobichettipalayam taluks.

Located about 17 km from Gobichettipalayam, the anicut attracts visitors from Erode and neighbouring districts, as well as Karnataka. Moderate rain on Friday (October 23) morning led to a sharp rise in the river’s inflow, increasing the flow of water at the anicut.

Officials said more than 1,600 cusecs of water were being discharged from the anicut. The restriction on bathing and entry into the water would be reviewed based on the flow in the river, they added.

The district recorded 252.50 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Bhavanisagar dam recorded the highest rainfall at 54.20 mm, followed by Varattupallam dam (36.30 mm), Bhavani (30.60 mm), Kavundapadi (25 mm), and Sathyamangalam (20 mm).