No Cauvery water for TN now, says BSY

Water level in most of the reservoirs of the river basin has depleted

 “The water level at KRS reservoir has depleted. There is no water for drinking, let alone for irrigation. This being the situation, how we can release water?” he asked. The water level at the KRS reservoir is just 72 feet, which is only 8 feet above the dead storage level of 64 feet. According to the final award of the Cauvery River Dispute Tribunal, the State is supposed to release 10 tmcft water in June to Tamil Nadu.

Yeddyurappa said that the water level was so low that water would not flow even if the crest gates were opened. “I am praying to the rain god to rescue us. Once it rains well, nobody will have any problem,” he said, adding that Tamil Nadu had not approached the State so far seeking release of water.

Meanwhile, Revenue Minister Karunakara Reddy said the water level at all major reservoirs was far less compared to a 10-year average. The State has received 136 mm rainfall, which is 5 per cent less than the average rains that should have occurred so far in the monsoon season, he told reporters after holding a meeting of the Cabinet sub-committee to monitor the drought situation.

Of the 176 taluks, 93 have received excess rainfall, 34 normal rains, while 38 experienced deficient and 11 had scanty rainfall. “So the situation is not grim at the moment. The meteorological department has said in its forecast that the State would receive rains in the next two days.” According to Reddy, farmers have taken up brisk sowing operations. So far, 21.19 lakh hectares have been sown against 13.86 lakh hectares of normal coverage.

Reddy said though the State was not faced with a drought-like situation, precautionary steps were being taken to ensure drinking water supply, fodder for cattle and alternative crop patterns. Asked whether the Government was planning  cloud-seeding operation, he said it was too early to act on that front.