2 tmcft water saved in Kabini reservoir for Bengaluru

MYSURU: Irrigation department officials have stocked two tmcft of water in Kabini reservoir to meet the drinking water needs of Bengaluru.

Though Meteorological Department reports indicate that monsoon may arrive in Kerala by May 30, the authorities, not keen to take any chance, have reserved two tmcft of water to meet the demand if the monsoon is delayed.

The discharge has been reduced to 100 cusecs  to meet the drinking water needs of Mysuru. While 871 cusecs of water is being released from Krishnaraja Sagar reservoir for Bengaluru. The reservoir level has fallen to 69 feet as against the maximum level of 124.8 feet.

The inflow into both the reservoirs has not increased as the rains are yet to catch up in the catchment area.

The flow into Cauvery has increased as there is good rain in Cauvery and Kabini achukat across Mysuru, Mandya and Chamarajanagar districts. Farming community has taken up sowing.

Meanwhile, heavy rains in drought-hit Chamarajanagar has increased the flow into Chikkahole and Suvanaranavathi reservoirs.

This will recharge groundwater and give a lease of life to farming community in both Chamarajanagar and Yalandur taluks. The rains are encouraging farmers to grow turmeric.

Meanwhile, heavy downpour in Mysuru district has affected crops such as green gram and pulses in Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Varuna constituency.

The standing crops of pulses in Alathur, Hosakote, Thumbanerale, Kupparavalli, Thayur, Jeemarahalli and other places were inundated.

The floriculture crops are also hit and has caused much worry among the farming community which has been facing trouble due to consecutive droughts. Farmers have urged agriculture officials to visit and assess the loss and pay suitable compensation.