Tungabhadra Dam Inflows Rise Sharply, 140 Cusecs Released to Canals as Heavy Rains Boost Reservoir Storage Levels
Vijayanagar
Heavy rainfall across the Malnad region and the Tungabhadra river catchment has significantly increased inflows into the Tungabhadra Dam, bringing welcome relief to farmers in the Kalyana Karnataka region. The reservoir, regarded as the lifeline of irrigation for several districts, has witnessed a sharp rise in water inflow over the past 24 hours.
According to official data, the reservoir recorded an average inflow of 44,782 cusecs during the previous day. The inflow has now increased to 49,728 cusecs as continuous rains in the upstream catchment areas continue to replenish the reservoir. Officials said the dam has gained nearly 3.5 TMC of water in just one day, raising expectations of improved storage if the monsoon remains active.
The Tungabhadra Dam has a full reservoir level (FRL) of 1,633 feet and a gross storage capacity of 105.788 TMC. At present, the water level stands at 1,596 feet, with live storage of 17.511 TMC. Although inflows have improved considerably in recent days, the reservoir’s storage remains lower than the corresponding period last year. On July 10, 2025, the dam contained 77.343 TMC of water, reflecting a much healthier storage position than the current season.
Water Resources Department officials have released 140 cusecs of water into the irrigation canals to meet agricultural requirements. No water is being released into the river at present, as authorities continue to conserve available storage while closely monitoring inflow levels.
The increase in inflows has brought optimism among farmers across the command area, who depend heavily on the reservoir for irrigation during the kharif cultivation season. Officials believe that if widespread rainfall continues across the Western Ghats and other catchment regions over the next few days, the reservoir level is expected to rise substantially. Higher storage will strengthen irrigation prospects, ensure better water availability for agriculture, and provide much-needed relief to thousands of farming families in the region.
