Heavy rainfall in the Cauvery basin has pushed the KRS reservoir above the 100-foot mark, while inflows have also increased at the Hemavati and Tungabhadra reservoirs
Good rainfall across the Cauvery and Malnad catchments has increased inflows into Karnataka's major reservoirs. The Krishnarajasagar (KRS) reservoir in Mandya has crossed the 100-foot mark, improving water storage and raising expectations for irrigation and drinking water availability. However, farmers continue to await more rainfall for rain-fed crops.
Mandya: The water level at the Krishnarajasagar Dam has crossed the 100-foot mark following sustained rainfall across the Cauvery basin over the past three to four days. The increase in inflow has significantly improved storage levels, offering relief to farmers dependent on the reservoir for irrigation and drinking water.
According to the latest reservoir data, the KRS reservoir recorded a water level of 100.34 feet against its maximum level of 124.80 feet. The reservoir currently holds 23.079 TMC of water out of its total storage capacity of 49.452 TMC. It is receiving an inflow of 32,048 cusecs, while 1,821 cusecs of water is being released downstream.
The reservoir has gained nearly eight feet in water level within the last three days, while storage has increased from around 17 TMC to more than 23 TMC during the same period.
The KRS reservoir has gained around eight feet in three days as rainfall continues across the Cauvery catchment.
KRS Reservoir Rise Brings Relief to Farmers
The increase in storage has improved prospects for irrigation in the Mandya region, where agriculture depends heavily on water from the KRS reservoir.
Farmers expressed relief as the rising water level has strengthened hopes for irrigation and drinking water supply during the current season. However, they also pointed out that rainfall within Mandya district has remained below expectations, leaving rain-fed crops dependent on additional showers.
Officials said that if the present inflow continues for another 10 to 15 days, the reservoir could move closer to its full storage level.
Hemavati Reservoir Records Higher Inflow
The Hemavati Reservoir has also witnessed a steady rise in storage due to rainfall in its catchment areas.
The reservoir's current water level stands at 2911.75 feet against its maximum level of 2922.00 feet. It presently stores 28.022 TMC of water and is receiving an inflow of 12,859 cusecs, while 500 cusecs is being released.
Officials noted that on the corresponding day last year, the reservoir had recorded a water level of 2921.40 feet with a storage of 36.523 TMC.
Tungabhadra Reservoir Storage Increases
Heavy rainfall across the Malnad region has also boosted inflows into the Tungabhadra Dam.
The reservoir currently stores 44 TMC of water against its maximum capacity of 105 TMC. Officials said the storage increased by 4 TMC within a single day after inflows crossed 30,000 cusecs.
The higher storage is expected to support irrigation requirements in Koppal and other districts that depend on water from the Tungabhadra reservoir.
Reservoir inflows have increased across Karnataka following sustained rainfall in the Cauvery and Malnad catchments.
More Rain Needed for Full Reservoir Storage
Although reservoir levels have improved considerably, farmers said continued rainfall remains essential, particularly for rain-fed agriculture in Mandya district.
Officials said the ongoing southwest monsoon has strengthened storage across Karnataka's major reservoirs, and further rainfall over the coming days will determine how quickly the reservoirs approach full capacity before the end of the monsoon season.
