Karnataka Dams See Strong Inflows as Water Levels Rise Across Major Reservoirs
Karnataka dams are receiving stronger monsoon inflows, with Almatti nearly full while Kabini, Linganamakki, Hemavathi and Bhadra continue showing healthy water levels today.
Karnataka is seeing a noticeable improvement in water storage as the monsoon continues across the state. Major reservoirs in the Krishna, Cauvery and Sharavathi river basins are receiving steady inflows, bringing some relief for agriculture and drinking water needs.
Among the major reservoirs, Almatti has come particularly close to its maximum level. As of August 16, the reservoir was at 519.54 metres against its full reservoir level of 519.60 metres. The reported inflow stood at 34,3243 cusecs, while around 26,155 cusecs was being released.
The Almatti reservoir, also known as the Lal Bahadur Shastri Sagar, is built across the Krishna River near Nidagundi in Vijayapura district. With the water level almost touching the maximum mark, a large quantity of water is being released downstream.
Linganamakki in Shivamogga district is also maintaining a strong water position. The reservoir level stood at 1,794.45 feet against a maximum of 1,819 feet. Its inflow was recorded at 12,348 cusecs.
The current level at Linganamakki is still below the level recorded on the same date last year, when the reservoir stood at 1,812.75 feet. Even so, continued inflows are helping the Sharavathi basin reservoir gain water.
Kabini is another reservoir seeing considerable movement. The water level stood at 80.89 feet against its maximum level of 84 feet. The inflow was recorded at 8,559 cusecs, while 13,600 cusecs was being released into the river. Around 10 mm of rainfall was also reported in the area.
The situation at Hemavathi remains fairly steady. The reservoir near Gorur in Hassan district was at 2,916.85 feet against a maximum level of 2,922 feet. Its inflow stood at 4,163 cusecs, while 200 cusecs was being released into the river and another 1,845 cusecs into the canal.
Hemavathi’s level on the same date last year was higher at 2,921.85 feet. At that time, the reservoir held around 36.958 TMC of water and was receiving an inflow of 8,475 cusecs.
The Bhadra reservoir, an important water source for parts of Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga districts, recorded a level of 173 feet 2 inches on August 16. Its maximum level is 186 feet, with an inflow of 5,793 cusecs and an outflow of 203 cusecs.
Bhadra was considerably fuller on the same date last year, when its level stood at 185 feet. The reservoir then held around 70.279 TMC of water and was receiving an inflow of 17,007 cusecs.
The latest figures show that monsoon rainfall is continuing to influence water storage across several major Karnataka reservoirs. While some dams are approaching their maximum levels, others still have room to receive more inflow as the rainy season progresses.
