The Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) reservoir in Karnataka currently holds 14.5 tmcft of water, which is sufficient to meet the drinking water needs of Mysuru,Mandya, and Chamarajanagar districts for next three to four months . However, according to Karnataka Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy,irrigation releases are not feasible at this time due to low water levels.
During a press briefing on Friday, Reddy emphasized that existing water supply would be prioritized for drinking purposes. He noted that of the total water in the reservoir,approximately 10.1 tmcft is usable after accounting for dead storage . "Irrigation releases are not possible under present circumstances," he stated .
Despite the current limitations, Reddy mentioned that water could be allocated for agricultural needs if conditions improve with increased inflows. Recent rainfall in Kodagu region has led to a rise in inflows into the Cauvery basin reservoirs, with the combined inflow into KRS,Harangi,Kabini, and Hemavathi reservoirs reaching 41,731 cusecs. If this trend continues, the water situation may improve.
In response to the ongoing rainfall deficit affecting Karnataka and 11 other states, the state government is exploring cloud seeding as a potential solution. Reddy indicated that officials have been instructed to consult experts and prepare a report on the feasibility of this initiative.
Furthermore,the minister addressed the water release situation to Tamil Nadu,highlighting that only about 3 tmcft has been dispatched since June due to insufficient rainfall and low reservoir levels. Under the Cauvery Tribunal's directive,Karnataka is obligated to release 40 tmcft of water to Biligundlu during the months of June and July.
Reddy assured that the state government would comply with the guidelines set forth by the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC). He noted that the CWRC is scheduled to convene on July 15,where the current water situation will be presented for further evaluation. "Drinking water will continue to receive the highest priority,and we will abide by the committee’s directions regarding remaining water," he added.
