Rains revive in Cauvery basin, easing Karnataka-Tamil Nadu water conflict
Improved inflows into the reservoirs in the Cauvery basin on Saturday, following heavy rains in the catchment area, have brought some relief to Karnataka amid
Improved inflows into the reservoirs in the Cauvery basin on Saturday, following heavy rains in the catchment area, have brought some relief to Karnataka amid the ongoing row over the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) had directed Karnataka to release water at the rate of 3,500 cusecs daily for 15 days, triggering protests from farmers, who urged the State government not to release water, citing poor storage levels and deficient rainfall. However, with the southwest monsoon turning active and rain in the catchment areas, the situation improved on Saturday. If the rains continue, reservoir levels are expected to rise further. Kabini reservoir in Mysuru district is now just two and half feet short of its full reservoir level (FRL), with the water level touching 2,281.43 feet on Saturday against the maximum level of 2,284 feet following increase in inflows.
The rise is largely owing to heavy rainfall in the reservoir’s catchment areas in Kerala. Earlier in the day, Kabini dam authorities issued a flood alert for people living downstream after inflows surged. By 3 p.m., water was being released at the rate of 5,000 cusecs from the reservoir, which went up at the rate of 12,000 cusecs at 8 p.m. with the rise in inflow. At Harangi In Kodagu, rain has boosted inflows into the Harangi reservoir. At 4 p.m. on Saturday, Harangi was receiving an inflow of 16,880 cusecs, while the outflow was at the rate of 19,700 cusecs. However, the outflow dropped to 12,500 cusecs with decrease in inflow which was 10,000 cusecs at 8 p.m. Also, the dam’s water level reached 2,857.30 feet against the maximum of 2,859 feet.
Madikeri and Somwarpet taluks recorded heavy rainfall during the past 24 hours. At the KRS reservoir in Mandya district, the water level stood at 95.57 feet against the maximum level of 124.80 feet. The inflow at 8 p.m. was at the rate of 20,438 cusecs, while the outflow was at the rate of 1,768 cusecs, mainly for canal and drinking water supply. Continued rainfall in Kodagu over the next few days is expected to further improve inflows, easing concerns over the Cauvery issue. The realisation of the Cauvery water was measured at Biligundlu on Karnataka-Tamil Nadu. Amid the improved monsoon conditions, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who has convened an all-party meeting on Sunday to discuss the CWRC order and seek suggestions of the Opposition leaders on Karnataka’s stand, expressed relief over the rising reservoir levels.
The BriefWire