KRS, Kabini reservoirs near full capacity as heavy inflows continue

The water levels in the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) and Kabini reservoirs in the Cauvery basin continued to rise on Sunday, as heavy inflows were recorded following widespread rainfall in their catchment areas. The situation has prompted authorities to issue a flood warning and take precautionary measures for communities living downstream.

The KRS reservoir, a major water source for the region, was inching towards the 100-foot mark. By Sunday evening, the water level stood at 98.8 feet against its Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of 124.8 feet. The reservoir was receiving an inflow of 31,583 cusecs, according to a bulletin issued by the authorities. While the level remains below the maximum capacity, the sustained inflows indicate a significant improvement in water storage compared to recent years.

The Kabini reservoir, on the other hand, had almost reached its maximum level. The water level in the Kabini reservoir stood at 2,282.43 feet above mean sea level against its maximum level of 2,284 feet, with an inflow of 27,217 cusecs on Sunday. This near-full status reflects the intensity of rainfall in the catchment areas, which has been above average for this time of year.

In response to the rising levels, the authorities were releasing 25,000 cusecs of water into the river through the four crest gates of the Kabini dam. Additionally, about 2,000 cusecs of water was being released into the canal system for irrigation purposes, the bulletin stated. The increased discharge from the dam submerged a low-level bridge near the dam, cutting off connectivity to a few villages in the vicinity. This has affected the daily movement of residents, who are now required to take alternative routes.

The Irrigation Department had issued a flood warning on Saturday, advising residents of low-lying areas downstream of the river to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures in view of the increased discharge from the dam. Such warnings are a standard practice during the monsoon season, especially when reservoirs approach full capacity, to prevent loss of life and property.

Meanwhile, rainfall in Kodagu district, which serves as the catchment area for the KRS reservoir, showed signs of easing on Sunday. The district had received heavy showers on Friday and Saturday, which contributed to the sharp rise in water levels. However, despite the easing of rainfall, the Cauvery river is still in spate. The road connecting Karigodu and Chikkanahalli villages in Ammathi hobli of Virajpet taluk was submerged, prompting authorities to caution the public against using the road and to opt for alternative routes instead.

The water level at the Triveni Sangama in Bhagamandala, a significant confluence point, also rose, the authorities said. This location holds cultural and religious importance, and the increase in water level is being closely monitored to ensure the safety of visitors and nearby residents.

The Harangi reservoir, another key water body in the Cauvery basin, also saw significant inflows. The water level stood at 2,856.72 feet above mean sea level against its maximum level of 2,859 feet, with an inflow of 10,440 cusecs. The authorities had reduced the discharge from the reservoir from 14,470 cusecs at 8 a.m. to 9,500 cusecs at 8 p.m. on Sunday, indicating a gradual stabilization of the inflow situation.

The current situation highlights the importance of these reservoirs in managing the Cauvery river's flow, which is crucial for drinking water and agriculture in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Monsoon rains are vital for the region's water security, and the rising levels bring relief after periods of drought. However, they also bring challenges, particularly regarding flood management and ensuring that downstream communities are protected from the consequences of high discharges.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with regular bulletins being issued to keep the public informed. They have reiterated the need for residents in vulnerable areas to stay alert and cooperate with official instructions to ensure safety during this period of high water flow.