The inflow into the Tungabhadra dam and the discharge from the dam into the river has been on the decline for the past few days.
As on Tuesday, the inflow into the reservoir was at the rate of 20,000 cusecs, while the discharge through the crest gates was at the rate of 15,000 cusecs through ten gates opened to a height of about one feet. In addition to this around 9,000 cusecs have been released to canals on the left and right banks.
Since July 19, surplus water was being discharged at the rate of 60,000 cusecs through the crest gates in to the river.
The level stood at 1,632.46 ft. as against the full reservoir level of 1,633 ft. Around 98.778 tmcft, as against full capacity of 100 tmcft of water had been augmented in the dam.
This is the first time in the last five years that the dam was overflowing owing to good rainfall in the catchment areas, that too at least a month earlier than expected.
People, not just from Ballari but also from other districts and tourists visiting Hampi, were thronging the dam to catch a glimpse of the spectacular view of water gushing out from the crest gates.
The tastefully coloured illumination proved to be an added attraction. People visiting the dam could be seen taking selfies. On weekends, the number of people visiting the dam crossed over a lakh.
Even now, people continue to throng the place and may continue to do so till Independence Day as the discharge may be continued till then.
