The Supa dam across the Kali in Uttara Kannada district is almost full. Its crest gates were opened on Wednesday to release water to maintain a safe level at the dam.
The dam was built across the Kali in 1986. This is the third time after it was built that water was being released from it. The height of the dam is 101 mtrs (333 ft) and its full water level is 564 ft.
Briefing mediapersons about the water release at the dam site, Abdul Majeed, Executive Engineer, Supa Dam, said the full capacity of the dam was 147 tmcft and on Wednesday it had a storage of around 140 tmcft.
“At 8 a.m. today, the inflow of water to the reservoir stood at the rate of 16,000 cusecs and the water level stood at 562.75. The water level at the dam has reached 95% of the full capacity and considering the forecast of further rains in the catchment area, we decided to release water from the reservoir. We started releasing water at 3.10 p.m. and presently are releasing water at the rate of 7,000 cusecs. Tomorrow at 8 a.m. we will check the inflow again and subsequently decide on the quantum of water to be released,” he said.
Mr. Majeed said that the water was first released from the dam in 1994 and then in 2006.
K. Nanjundeshwar, Chief Engineer (Electrical), KPCL, said water being released would be collected at Bommanahalli Pickup Dam, which had a capacity to store 2 tmcft of water. This water would be utilised for power generation.
Shivalingaiah, Superintending Engineer of Supa Dam, and others were also present. As the news had spread about the release of water from the dam, scores of people gathered nearby site to catch a glimpse of the spectacular view of water gushing out.
