Mysuru, Aug 3
The Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) reservoir in Karnataka has recorded a sharp increase in its water level following heavy monsoon rainfall in the Cauvery catchment areas, rising by nearly 10 feet within a week and improving water availability for irrigation and drinking water requirements.
The water level at the KRS reservoir in Mandya district stood at 100.34 feet at 8 a.m. on Monday, against its full reservoir level of 124.80 feet. On July 27, the level was 91.70 feet, indicating a significant improvement following sustained rainfall in Kodagu and other parts of the upper Cauvery basin.
Inflows into the reservoir have increased substantially over the past few days. From just 2,100 cusecs on July 27, the inflow rose to 7,058 cusecs by July 31 before crossing 20,000 cusecs on August 1.
By Monday morning, the KRS was receiving 32,048 cusecs, while the outflow was maintained at 1,821 cusecs. Water released from the reservoir is being used mainly for canal irrigation and drinking water supply.
The improvement has been attributed to widespread rainfall in the Cauvery catchment, particularly around Bhagamandala and other parts of Kodagu district, where the southwest monsoon has strengthened considerably.
The Harangi reservoir in Kodagu has also benefited from the increased rainfall. It received an inflow of 11,646 cusecs on Monday, while the outflow stood at 10,750 cusecs. The reservoir level was 2,857.01 feet, close to its maximum level of 2,859 feet.
The increased inflows into KRS and Harangi have improved the overall water position in the Cauvery basin and brought relief to farmers dependent on reservoir releases for cultivation.
The rising storage levels have also strengthened drinking water reserves, even as Karnataka and Tamil Nadu continue to closely monitor the Cauvery water-sharing situation.
