KRS remains largely dry owing to sparse rains

The inflow into Krishnaraja Sagar reservoir, following sparse rainfall, has been low, raising concerns among farmers in the region. 

Since, the onset of monsoons, water levels in the reservoir has increased by only nine feet.

On Saturday, the water level in the reservoir stood at 81.25 feet, with an inflow of 1,575 cusecs and outflow of 2,103 cusecs. 

Of the outflow, 1,500 cusecs has been released into various canals for drinking water purpose. The water level in the reservoir during the same day last year was 87.58 feet

The maximum capacity of the reservoir is 124 feet.

During summer, the water level had dipped to 72 feet. Even after close to a month since the onset of monsoon, the water level have increased only by nine feet.

In 2013, the water level had plummeted to 63 feet, but, following monsoon it had swelled by 24 feet by the end of June.

Officials at the reservoir, said, the inflow into the reservoir has not been up to the expectations. “We are expecting the monsoon to intensify during the month of July, following which water level will increase,” an official said. He added that there would be no immediate shortage of water for drinking water purposes. 

 

Kabini

While the rainfall in the region has seen a dip, outflow from the reservoir towards Tamil Nadu has seen an increase since the past few days.

The outflow was close to 5,000 cusecs since two days, but has been increased to 8,000 cusecs. While 4,000 cusecs is being released from the crest gates of the dam, 4,000 cusecs is being released through the hydel power units of the dam.

With a dip in rainfall in the catchment area, inflow into the reservoir has dipped to around 2,000 cusecs. The current water level in the dam was 2,271 feet, as against its maximum limit of 2,284 feet.

Crop loan deadline

In the wake of rain playing hide and seek with the farmers, the Agriculture department has extended the deadline to insure the crops till June 30.

In a press release, on Saturday, Joint Director for Agriculture Mahanteshappa has stated that it has been noticed that crops are withering in some parts of the district due to scanty rainfall. 

According to a survey conducted by the department, pre and post monsoon period, crops have been severely hit in Yelwal hobli in Mysore taluk, Doddakavalande and Hullahalli hoblis in Nanjangud taluk, Bilikere and Gavadagere hoblis in Hunsur taluk, Kasaba, Bettadapura and Ravandur hoblis in Periyapatna taluk, Sosale and Moogur hoblis in T Narsipur taluk and all hoblis in K R Nagar taluk.

According to weather report, rain is expected by July 10, anticipating hopes of crops regaining life during the period. 

Following this, the department has instructed the farmers to pay the insurance premium of the current policies (crop insurance) within June 30.