Karnataka Reservoir Levels Remain Below Expectations Despite Improved Monsoon Activity
Water storage across major Karnataka reservoirs remains lower than expected, with KRS below the 100 foot mark while Almatti records stronger inflows and Kabini and Tungabhadra continue to lag
Although monsoon activity has picked up in parts of Karnataka, water storage in several of the state’s major reservoirs remains below expected levels. Reservoirs that play a crucial role in supplying drinking water and supporting irrigation are yet to receive sufficient inflows, raising concerns as July nears its end.
The Krishnaraja Sagar reservoir, one of the primary sources of drinking water for Bengaluru and surrounding regions, continues to remain below the 100 foot level. The reservoir is currently at 92.61 feet against its full reservoir level of 124.80 feet. It has a total storage capacity of 49.452 TMC, while the present storage stands at 17.554 TMC, including a live storage of 9.175 TMC.
Water inflow into the KRS reservoir remains modest at 828 cusecs, while outflow has been maintained at 2148 cusecs, including water released for canal irrigation and drinking water requirements. Compared with the same period last year, the current storage level remains significantly lower, reflecting the impact of a weaker monsoon during the early part of the season.
Among the state’s major reservoirs, Almatti has shown encouraging signs with a noticeable increase in inflow. The reservoir’s current water level stands at 517.78 metres against its maximum level of 519.60 metres. It is receiving an inflow of 40173 cusecs, while 16458 cusecs of water is being released downstream.
The situation remains less encouraging at the Tungabhadra reservoir. The current water level is 1603.08 feet compared with its full reservoir level of 1633 feet. The reservoir holds 25.766 TMC of water against its maximum storage capacity of 105.788 TMC. During the past 24 hours, average inflow has remained around 1017 cusecs, with the current inflow measured at 1050 cusecs. Water discharge has been maintained at 3547 cusecs, primarily for canal requirements.
Kabini reservoir is also reporting lower storage compared with the previous year. The current water level stands at 71.77 feet, with a storage of 12.56 TMC. It is receiving an inflow of 2818 cusecs, while 500 cusecs of water is being released. The catchment area recorded only 5 millimetres of rainfall during the last 24 hours.
A comparison with the corresponding period last year highlights the difference in water availability. On the same date a year ago, Kabini’s water level had reached 83.33 feet with a storage of 19.08 TMC. At that time, the reservoir was receiving an inflow of 15206 cusecs, and 8833 cusecs of water was being released. This year’s figures indicate a substantial decline in both storage and inflow.
While recent rainfall has improved conditions in some parts of Karnataka, water levels across several key reservoirs remain below normal. Continued rainfall in the coming weeks will be crucial to improving storage levels, supporting agriculture, and ensuring an adequate drinking water supply for cities and rural areas across the state.
