Copious rain in catchment area of the Kabini dam has turned it into a tourist hotspot. Tourists are flocking the reservoir in Beechanahalli of HD Kote taluk, Mysuru district, following the release of water.
Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) dam in Srirangapatna taluk of Mandya district, attracts tourists in hordes. Brindavan Gardens and illumination during Dasara are the major attraction here.
However, the entry to KRS has been restricted due to heavy discharge from the dam and as a result tourists are heading to Kabini dam.
The inflow to Kabini has gone up thanks to incessant rain in the catchment area of River Kapila and Wayanad in the neighbouring state of Kerala.
A family of 10 from Hassan, who were on a one-day trip, visited Kabini dam to enjoy the abundant water flow.
“We visited Hemavathi dam in Gorur of Hassan a few days ago. We had a plan to visit some other place, but finally decided on Kabini,” said Shashikiran, a tourist.
Not only tourists, a large number of people from neighbouring villages are visiting the dam as the highest quantity of water is being discharged over the last couple of days.
The outflow of 80,000 cusecs of water from the dam on Thursday was the highest discharge since the construction of the dam in 1974.
The highest outflow continued on Saturday too.
Kabini dam Executive Engineer C P Jagadeesh said that there had been an increase in tourist arrival and the footfall would go up during the weekend.
“It is a little difficult to control the tourists. But, we have taken all necessary measures to ensure the safety of visitors. The Police department has deputed additional forces,” he said.
Holiday resorts
According to him, as entry to the KRS dam has been restricted, tourists are visiting Kabini to rejoice the flowing waters. Besides, the region has a good number of holiday resorts and homestays, he added.
An officer claimed that if the tourist footfall increases, a ban on movement on the dam would be imposed.
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