Almatti and Basava Sagar reservoirs are nearing full capacity, while KRS, Kabini, and Hemavati continue to record lower storage than last year
Karnataka's latest reservoir data shows contrasting water storage levels across major river basins. Reservoirs in the Krishna basin, including Almatti and Basava Sagar, are close to full capacity due to steady inflows. In contrast, Cauvery basin reservoirs such as KRS, Kabini, and Hemavati remain below last year's storage levels, reflecting weaker inflows despite recent rainfall.
Bengaluru: Karnataka's major reservoirs are showing contrasting water storage trends, with reservoirs in the Krishna river basin approaching full capacity, while key reservoirs in the Cauvery basin continue to record lower storage than the corresponding period last year. The latest water level data indicates that Almatti and Basava Sagar are receiving healthy inflows, whereas KRS, Kabini, and Hemavati remain dependent on improved rainfall across their catchment areas.
"Reservoir data reflects strong storage in the Krishna basin, while Cauvery basin reservoirs continue to trail last year's water levels."
Almatti Reservoir Nears Full Capacity in Karnataka
The Lal Bahadur Shastri Sagar (Almatti) Reservoir, constructed across the Krishna River near Nidagundi in Vijayapura district, is only a few centimetres away from reaching its full reservoir level.
According to the latest data, the reservoir's maximum level is 519.60 metres, while the current water level stands at 519.30 metres. The dam is receiving an inflow of 55,685 cusecs, and 21,113 cusecs of water is being released downstream as part of reservoir management.
The steady inflow has brought the reservoir close to its designed storage capacity.
Basava Sagar Reservoir Maintains Stable Water Storage
The Basava Sagar Reservoir near Narayanpur in Yadgiri district continues to maintain water levels close to its maximum capacity.
The reservoir has a maximum level of 492.25 metres, while the current level is 492.20 metres. It is receiving an inflow of 25,000 cusecs, with 20,500 cusecs being discharged downstream to regulate storage.
The stable water level reflects continued inflows in the Krishna river basin during the ongoing monsoon season.
Hemavati Reservoir Records Lower Storage Than Last Year
The Hemavati Reservoir near Gorur in Hassan district continues to remain below last year's storage level.
The reservoir has a maximum level of 2,922 feet with a storage capacity of 37 TMC. As of July 28, the water level stands at 2,905.98 feet, with 23.753 TMC of water in storage.
The reservoir is currently receiving an inflow of 6,390 cusecs, while 500 cusecs are being released.
During the corresponding period last year, the water level stood at 2,920.89 feet, with 35.943 TMC of storage and an inflow of 25,724 cusecs, highlighting a significant decline this year.
Kabini Reservoir Sees Sharp Drop in Inflow and Storage
The Kabini Reservoir in Mysuru district has also recorded substantially lower storage than the same period last year.
The current water level is 75.28 feet, against 81.97 feet recorded a year ago. The reservoir presently holds 14.42 TMC of water, compared to 18.22 TMC on the same day last year.
Current inflow stands at 3,594 cusecs, a sharp decline from 31,600 cusecs recorded during the corresponding period in 2025. Similarly, outflow has reduced to 300 cusecs, compared to 40,000 cusecs last year.
The reservoir catchment recorded 16 mm of rainfall during the last 24 hours, although inflows remain considerably lower than last year's levels.
"Kabini continues to record lower inflows and storage despite recent rainfall in the catchment area."
KRS Reservoir Remains Below 100 Feet
The Krishnarajasagar (KRS) Reservoir in Mandya district has not yet crossed the 100-foot mark.
The reservoir has a maximum level of 124.80 feet and a total storage capacity of 49.452 TMC. The current water level is 91.80 feet, with 17.039 TMC of water in storage.
The dam is receiving an inflow of 2,552 cusecs, while 1,745 cusecs are being released downstream.
Officials continue to monitor rainfall across the Cauvery catchment, as sustained precipitation will be necessary to improve storage levels in KRS and other reservoirs within the basin.
