MYSURU: Incessant rains lashing Kodagu district in Karnataka and Wayanad region in neighbouring Kerala have significantly increased the inflow into the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) and Kabini reservoirs. Bagamandala in Kodagu recorded 225 mm of rainfall on Monday and around 120 mm on Tuesday. As a result, the Cauvery river is in spate.
The KRS reservoir is currently receiving 19,189 cusecs of inflow, and the water level has reached 92 feet against its maximum capacity of 124.8 feet. The storage now stands at 17.16 TMC against the full capacity of 49.45 TMC bringing relief to farmers in the Cauvery achukat, especially those cultivating paddy and sugarcane.
The Kabini reservoir is also witnessing a steady rise, with the water level reaching 2,267.7 feet against its maximum of 2,284 feet. The inflow stands at 21,946 cusecs. Reports indicate that with continuous heavy rainfall in Wayanad, the reservoir levels may spike further.
However, the heavy rainfall has disrupted life along the Karnataka–Kerala border. Uprooted trees and damaged electric poles have plunged many areas into darkness for the past three days. CESC officials are facing difficulties in restoring power as fallen trees and flooding have hampered repair work.
Locals in areas like Balle, DB Kuppe, and others have joined hands with CESC staff to help clear debris and replace damaged poles. With the meteorological department forecasting more rains over the next three days, locals have avoided fieldwork. Boating services across the river near DB Kuppe may also be suspended if water levels rise further.
In Mysuru district, all nine taluks have received above-normal rainfall from May 1 to May 27. A total of 158.1 mm rain was recorded against the average of 102.5 mm rain in May. KR Nagar, Hunsur, Periyapatna, T Narsipur, and Saragur recorded the highest rainfall in the region.