In what could potentially bring some relief to the ongoing row over release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu from Karnataka, the inflow into the Kabini reservoir in Mysuru district has increased following heavy rainfall in its catchment areas. Thanks to incessant showers in Kerala, which forms a major part of the reservoir’s catchment, the dam in H.D. Kote taluk has been receiving an inflow of around 15,500 cusecs since August 1 morning.

Kabini reservoir is now just four feet short of reaching its full reservoir level (FRL), with the water level rising to 2,280.08 feet on August 1 against the maximum capacity of 2,284 feet, following a sharp increase in inflow.

With the inflow rising, authorities are likely to release 8,000 to 10,000 cusecs of water into the Kabini river. The outflow may be increased further if inflows continue to rise, according to the Executive Engineer of the Kabini Reservoir Division, H.D. Kote.

Dam authorities have issued a flood alert for people living downstream along the stretch of the river. Residents have been advised to move to safer places if necessary, and take adequate measures to protect their property and livestock.

Outflow from Harangi dam

The southwest monsoon turned active in Kodagu district, with the district recording an average rainfall of 56.79 mm during the last 24 hours.

Heavy rain in the catchment areas increased inflows into the Harangi reservoir, which received 9,896 cusecs of inflow on August 1. In view of the improved inflow, authorities released 10,058 cusecs of water from the dam into the Harangi river. The Harangi dam area recorded 39.6 mm of rainfall during the period.

Shanthalli recorded 180 mm of rain, while Bhagamandala received 125.6 mm since July 31, indicating revival of the monsoon in the district.

Heavy rain triggered a landslide in 2nd Monnangeri village, disrupting traffic on the road leading to the village. In Madikeri town, a portion of a house collapsed, in Spatika Layout.