BENGALURU
Despite the recent return of monsoon rains across Karnataka, water levels in major reservoirs throughout the state remain surprisingly low, raising serious long-term concerns for both local agriculture and city drinking water supplies. Most notably, the famous Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) dam, which serves as the crucial drinking water lifeline for Bengaluru, has still failed to cross the important 100-foot mark. The current KRS water level stands at 92.61 feet, well below its maximum capacity of 124.80 feet, keeping regional government authorities highly watchful and concerned.
While the strong inflow into the Almatti dam offers a rare positive highlight for farmers, other essential reservoirs are struggling with reduced water storage levels. State officials are actively monitoring incoming water flows and remaining hopeful that continued rainfall will steadily rebuild critical reserves, effectively securing the region’s vital long-term agricultural and drinking water supply throughout this crucial monsoon season.
Dams across Karnataka:
- KRS Reservoir: Storage sits at 17.55 TMC against a 49.45 TMC maximum capacity, with total outflows currently exceeding daily incoming water flows from regional rains.
- Almatti Dam: Inflow has surged to over 40,000 cusecs, bringing immense relief and great joy to hardworking local farming communities.
- Tungabhadra Dam: Storage remains low at 25.76 TMC, with incoming flow recorded at just over 1,000 cusecs.
- Kabini Reservoir: Water level sits at 71.77 feet, reflecting a notable decrease from last year’s level.