Water discharge stepped up from brimming Harangi

Monsoon showing activity, though belatedly, reservoirs across the Cauvery have begun receiving inflows in small quantities.

Following good rains in the catchment areas of Kodagu district, Harangi reservoir in Kushalnagar is full now and excess water is being discharged into the river.

The level in Harangi this noon was 2857.25 feet, about one and half feet below the maximum level of 2,859 feet. About 6,500 cusecs of water is being discharged into the river, as the inflow has risen to 7,500 cusecs. About 1,000 cusecs of water is being released into the canals. Release of water to the canals began on July 30. Initially between 200-300 cusecs of water was being released into the canals. With increasing inflow, it has been raised to 1,000 cusecs.

 

During the last few days, Krishnarajasagar (KRS) reservoir recorded around 6 feet rise in the water level. It touched the low of 73 feet last month and on Monday the level stood at 79.66 feet. Inflow was still meagre at 1,859 cusecs with an outflow of 237 cusecs. Inflow into KRS is expected to improve further with good rains in the catchment areas of Kodagu and release of water from Harangi, though the quantum is meagre now.

Water released from Harangi will add up to the river waters in the downstream and improve inflow in the next few days as Kodagu district is witnessing good rains. The maximum storage capacity of KRS is 124.80 feet. Madikeri, Gonikoppal, Somwarpet, Virajpet and other areas are getting good rains. Srimangala too saw rains yesterday, filling up dried up low places. Rains have added to the flow in the Lakshmanatheertha River.

Mysore and surrounding villages too saw rains yesterday bringing cheer among the farmers. Further rains would help save drying up crops and avert total crop damage.

Filling up of Harangi and improved release of water from its channels have raised hopes of ryots in its irrigated areas, including about 35,000 acres in K R Nagar taluk.