1.11 lakh cusecs released from Basavasagar reservoir; alert for Krishna basin villages
The Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigama Limited (KBJNL) on Thursday released 1.11 lakh cusecs of water into the Krishna river from the Basavasagar reservoir at Narayanapur in Shorapur taluk of Yadgir district.
According to official reports, the inflow into the reservoir at the time of release stood at 95,043 cusecs. The water level in the reservoir was recorded at 491.55 metres against the full reservoir level of 492.25 metres.
Following the increased outflow, the Yadgir district administration issued an alert notice to residents of downstream villages in the Krishna basin. The advisory urges people not to venture into the river for any reason, including fishing or watering animals, until the outflow recedes. Officials said such alerts are a standard precaution whenever the discharge from the reservoir rises significantly.
The Basavasagar reservoir, also known as Narayanapur Dam, is a major irrigation project on the Krishna river. It is managed by KBJNL, a government undertaking responsible for the development and regulation of irrigation facilities in the Krishna river basin under the Krishna Bhagya Jala scheme. The reservoir plays a crucial role in supplying water for irrigation and drinking water needs across several districts in Karnataka.
Water releases from the reservoir are routinely calibrated based on inflow, storage levels, and downstream commitments. The recent outflow, which is higher than the inflow, indicates a deliberate release to manage the reservoir level or meet urgent downstream requirements. However, officials did not specify the exact reason for the increase.
The district administration has advised people in low-lying areas to remain cautious and follow instructions from local authorities. Fishermen and farmers who depend on the river have been specifically warned against entering the water. In the past, sudden discharges have led to dangerous conditions downstream, prompting authorities to maintain a strict advisory regime.
Officials from KBJNL and the district administration said they are continuously monitoring the situation. Further updates will be issued as needed, depending on the reservoir levels and prevailing weather conditions in the region.
