KRS, Almatti, Hemavati and Tungabhadra reservoirs record steady inflows as monsoon rainfall strengthens across Karnataka, while farmers seek urgent canal repairs before irrigation water is released
Karnataka's major reservoirs, including KRS, Almatti, Hemavati and Tungabhadra, have recorded higher water levels following continuous monsoon rainfall. While increased inflows have improved water storage for irrigation and drinking water, farmers in Koppal and Raichur have urged the government to repair damaged canals before releasing irrigation water to prevent breaches and crop losses.
Bengaluru, August 04: Karnataka's major reservoirs have recorded a steady rise in water levels following continuous monsoon rainfall across the Cauvery, Krishna and Malnad catchment regions. The increased inflows into the Krishnarajasagar (KRS), Almatti, Hemavati and Tungabhadra reservoirs have improved water storage, raising expectations for irrigation and drinking water supply across several districts.
However, alongside the improved reservoir levels, farmers in parts of Koppal and Raichur districts have expressed concern over the condition of irrigation canals. They have urged the authorities to complete repair works before releasing water for agricultural purposes to prevent breaches and crop damage.
KRS Reservoir Water Level Rises Above 103 Feet
Good rainfall in the Cauvery basin has resulted in a substantial increase in the inflow to the Krishnarajasagar (KRS) Reservoir in Mandya district. The reservoir continues to receive significant inflows while water is being released primarily for drinking water requirements.
The reservoir currently stands at 103.40 feet against its maximum level of 124.80 feet. It has recorded an inflow of 31,122 cusecs, while 1,882 cusecs are being released. The reservoir's maximum storage capacity is 49.452 TMC, with the present storage reaching 25.594 TMC.
The continued inflow has strengthened water availability for the Cauvery basin and has brought relief to farmers dependent on irrigation.
Almatti Reservoir Records Heavy Krishna River Inflow
The Lal Bahadur Shastri Sagar (Almatti Reservoir) in Vijayapura district has also witnessed substantial inflows due to rainfall in the Krishna river basin.
The reservoir level currently stands at 518.89 metres, compared to its maximum capacity of 519.60 metres. It is receiving an inflow of 1,40,257 cusecs, while 1,49,597 cusecs are being discharged into the Krishna River as part of reservoir management operations.
Officials continue to monitor inflow and outflow levels as rainfall persists across upstream catchment areas.
Hemavati Reservoir Continues to Gain Storage
The Hemavati Reservoir near Gorur in Hassan district has also recorded a gradual increase in storage following consistent rainfall in the region.
The present reservoir level is 2911.24 feet, compared to its maximum level of 2922 feet. Current storage stands at 28.409 TMC against the full reservoir capacity of 37 TMC.
The reservoir is receiving an inflow of 5,041 cusecs, while 500 cusecs are being released. Canal release currently remains nil.
On the corresponding date last year, the reservoir level stood at 2921.80 feet, with 36.910 TMC of storage and an inflow of 9,859 cusecs.
Tungabhadra Reservoir Storage Improves as Canal Safety Concerns Continue
The Tungabhadra Reservoir has also benefited from increased rainfall in the Malnad region. The reservoir currently holds approximately 50 TMC of water against its total storage capacity of 105 TMC.
While authorities are preparing for irrigation releases, farmers have raised concerns regarding the condition of the Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal.
According to local reports, a section of the canal near Mylapur village in Karatagi taluk has already suffered structural damage. Farmers fear that releasing irrigation water without completing repair works could result in another canal breach and damage standing crops.
Farmers have urged the Irrigation Department to complete canal repairs before releasing water for agriculture to avoid further losses.
Residents of Koppal and Raichur districts have also referred to last year's canal breach near Basapura and have requested preventive measures before irrigation operations commence.
Reservoir Levels Improve as Monsoon Strengthens
Continuous rainfall across Karnataka's major river basins has improved water storage in several reservoirs, providing support for irrigation planning and drinking water supply. At the same time, farmers have called for immediate maintenance of irrigation infrastructure to ensure that water distribution takes place without affecting agricultural land.
