Outflow nearly doubles inflow
Mysuru
The Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) reservoir in Srirangapatna Taluk of Mandya district, is witnessing a sharp decline in water inflow, raising concerns over the availability of water in the Cauvery basin in the days ahead.
The latest data released on August 17 shows that the inflow into KRS stands at just 7,747 cusecs, while the outflow is significantly higher at 13,600 cusecs.
The Kabini reservoir, which has a maximum storage level of 2,284 feet, recorded a water level of 2,280.02 feet on Monday. The figures indicate that the reservoir is currently releasing 5,853 cusecs more water than it is receiving, putting pressure on the available storage.
Inflow Almost Half of Outflow
The situation is particularly noteworthy as the KRS is releasing nearly 1.8 times the quantity of water it is receiving. With inflows remaining subdued, continued releases could gradually bring down the reservoir level if fresh rainfall and catchment inflows do not improve. The latest figures also highlight the contrasting water situation in other major reservoirs. Harangi recorded an inflow of 2,928 cusecs against an outflow of 2,387 cusecs, while Kabini received 7,747 cusecs and released 13,600 cusecs.
Rain Holds the Key
The weak inflow into KRS has brought the focus back on rainfall in the Cauvery catchment areas. A sustained spell of rain is crucial to replenish the reservoir and maintain adequate storage for drinking water, irrigation and downstream requirements.
With the KRS already releasing considerably more water than the inflow it is receiving, any further fall in inflow could put the reservoir under additional pressure.
Water managers will therefore be closely watching rainfall and catchment inflows over the coming days. The present figures underline the need for careful water management and judicious releases, particularly when the monsoon season still has a considerable distance to run.
KRS at a glance
- Maximum level: 2,284 ft
- Current level: 2,280.02 ft
- Inflow: 7,747 cusecs
- Outflow: 13,600 cusecs
- Outflow exceeds inflow by: 5,853 cusecs
