Intro
The improved inflows have eased fears of reservoirs nearing dead storage levels
CH NEWS
BENGALURU
Heavy rainfall across Karnataka’s Malnad and coastal regions has substantially improved inflows into Cauvery basin reservoirs, easing concerns over water availability amid the ongoing water-sharing dispute with Tamil Nadu.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Agumbe in Shivamogga district recorded the highest rainfall of 197 mm during the 24 hours ending 5.30 am on Sunday. Other areas receiving significant rainfall included Gonikoppal in Kodagu (66 mm), Brahmavara in Udupi (60 mm), Balehonnur in Chikkamagaluru (58 mm) and Sirsi in Uttara Kannada (52.5 mm). Mangaluru recorded 37.8 mm, while Bengaluru received only trace rainfall.
The continuous rainfall over Karnataka and neighbouring Kerala has sharply increased storage in major reservoirs. Inflows into the Kabini reservoir at Beechanahalli in Mysuru district rose to around 30,000 cusecs, while outflows touched nearly 25,000 cusecs as the reservoir level reached about 82 feet against its full reservoir level of 84 feet. Authorities warned residents along the Kabini river to move to safer places after the increased discharge submerged the low-level Bidarahalli bridge in Saragur taluk.
The Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) reservoir in Mandya district also witnessed a rapid rise, with its water level increasing from about 92 feet to 97 feet within two days. Storage improved from around 17 TMC to 20.477 TMC.
The improved inflows have eased fears of reservoirs nearing dead storage levels and strengthened Karnataka’s position as discussions over Cauvery water sharing continue.
However, the heavy rains also triggered a landslide between Edakumari and Shribagilu railway stations in Hassan district’s Sakleshpur taluk, damaging railway tracks and disrupting seven train services connecting Bengaluru with Mangaluru, Karwar, Kozhikode, Murudeshwar and Vijayapura.
The IMD has issued a nowcast warning for Uttara Kannada and Udupi districts, forecasting more rain accompanied by strong winds and cautioning people against unnecessary travel and venturing near waterbodies.
Catchment rains bring major relief
Relentless rainfall in Karnataka’s catchment areas and neighbouring Kerala has transformed the state’s water outlook. Rising storage levels in the Kabini and Krishnaraja Sagar reservoirs have eased immediate concerns over drinking water availability and irrigation, while reducing fears of reservoirs approaching critical levels. The improved situation comes at a crucial time as Karnataka continues to defend its interests in the Cauvery water-sharing dispute with Tamil Nadu, although authorities remain on alert for rain-related disruptions.