Torrential rain in the last few days in the catchment areas have significantly improved the storage levels in three of the total four reservoirs in the Cauvery river basin.
The storage level in the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) reservoir stood at 107.5 ft on September 28 as against 88.5 ft during the corresponding period last year.
The combined storage of KRS and Kabini reservoirs, major reservoirs in the region, has increased by 12.75 tmcft in the last 30 days, even after discharging water to canals and rivers.
Kabini in Mysuru district and Harangi in Kodagu district have almost attained their full reservoir level (FRL). However, Hemavati in Hassan and KRS in Mandya have not filled to the brim though their levels have increased.
Positive sign for KRS
The continuous rainfall was a positive sign for the farmers of both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
The live storage in the KRS has increased from 9.852 tmcft on August 29 to 20.904 tmcft on September 28, said officials at Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Ltd. (CNNL).
Similarly, the storage level has increased from 93.52 ft on August 28 to 107.5 ft on September 28 as against the FRL of 124.8ft. The reservoir had a poor storage level of just 88.5 ft during the corresponding period last year.
The inflow was at the rate of 9,832 cusecs, while the outflow was measured at 1,548 cusecs.
Kabini
The storage of Kabini dam in H.D. Kote has increased from 12.8 tmcft to 14.50 tmcft in the last 30 days owing to continuous showers.
The storage level at the dam stood at 2,282 ft as against the full reservoir level of 2,284 ft. on Thursday. The dam was receiving an inflow of 3,500 cusecs. The quantum of outflow was at the rate of 4,000 cusecs.
Harangi, Hemavati
While moderate to heavy rain has improved the level of the other three reservoirs in the basin, the monsoon has failed to fill the Hemavati.
The level remained at 2,886.29 ft as against the FRL of 2,922 ft. The storage is just 12.3 tmcft as against the gross capacity of 37.103 tmcft. The reservoir has been supplying water for drinking, irrigation and to fill lakes in many parts of Mandya, Tumakuru and Hassan districts.
The current monsoon season is at its end and hence the hopes of KRS and Hemavati filling to the brim have almost been dashed, said the CNNL officials.
