BENGALURU: Rainfall across the Cauvery basin and Kodagu district has increased inflows into Karnataka’s Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS), Kabini and Harangi reservoirs, offering some relief amid concerns over water availability. The recent showers have improved inflow conditions at key dams, although the overall water situation will continue to depend on rainfall and reservoir releases.
KRS reservoir receives fresh inflows
The Krishna Raja Sagar reservoir in Mandya district recorded an inflow of 9,457 cusecs on Saturday, according to the figures provided in the report. Located in Srirangapatna taluk, the reservoir’s water level stood at 102.98 feet against its full reservoir level of 124.80 feet.
The storage was reported at 25.235 thousand million cubic feet (TMC), while 1,589 cusecs of water was being released from the dam.
KRS is a key source of water for drinking and agricultural needs in parts of the Mysuru and Mandya regions. Improved inflows could support water management, but the benefits will depend on how rainfall progresses and how much water is released for downstream requirements.
Kabini records inflow of 10,477 cusecs
The Kabini reservoir in Mysuru district recorded an inflow of 10,477 cusecs. Rainfall in the catchment area was reported at 55 mm, contributing to the fresh inflow.
The reservoir’s water level stood at 71.61 feet against its stated maximum level of 84 feet. Its storage was reported at 12.48 TMC, with 500 cusecs being released into the river and canals.
Kabini plays an important role in meeting water requirements in the region. The recent rainfall has improved inflow conditions, but continued monitoring will be necessary to assess the effect on storage and water releases.
Harangi benefits from rainfall in Kodagu
The Harangi reservoir, located near Kushalnagar in Kodagu district, also received fresh inflows following rainfall in its catchment area.
The dam recorded an inflow of 2,812 cusecs, while its water level stood at 2,846.45 feet against the reported maximum level of 2,859 feet.
Rainfall in Kodagu is significant for the reservoir, which forms part of the Cauvery basin’s water-storage system. The latest inflows offer some improvement, though the long-term position will depend on further rainfall and the pattern of releases.
Almatti records no inflow
The situation differed at the Almatti reservoir, also known as Lal Bahadur Shastri Sagar, in Vijayapura district. No inflow was recorded in the figures provided.
The reservoir, located in Nidagundi taluk, stood at 516.23 metres against its full reservoir level of 519.60 metres. The dam was releasing 7,743 cusecs of water.
The figures indicate that rainfall-related improvements were not uniform across Karnataka’s reservoirs.
Tungabhadra storage and releases
The Tungabhadra reservoir had a water level of 1,614.548 feet against its maximum level of 1,633 feet. Its storage was reported at 47.357 TMC, with an outflow of 11,265 cusecs into the river and various canals.
The reservoir continues to be an important source for irrigation and other water needs in the areas served by the Tungabhadra system.
Water availability depends on further rainfall
The reported increase in inflows into KRS, Kabini and Harangi offers some relief after concerns about reservoir levels and water availability. The additional water could assist planning for drinking water and agricultural requirements, provided inflows continue and releases are managed carefully.
However, the recent rainfall does not by itself guarantee improved water availability through the coming months. Reservoir storage, downstream releases and rainfall across individual catchments will remain important factors in determining the overall position.
Authorities will need to continue monitoring inflows, storage levels and outflows to assess how the latest showers affect Karnataka’s water resources.