The Regional Commissioner has authorized the release of 4.105 tmcft of water from Narayanpur reservoir to alleviate drinking water shortages in Kalaburagi district. This decision comes as region grapples with severe water scarcity affecting both urban and rural communities.
Deputy Commissioner Ikram Shariff confirmed that the approval followed a proposal from the district administration, which was prompted by requests from several local authorities, including the Minor Irrigation Department, Kalaburagi City Corporation,and Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigam Limited. The urgency of the situation,marked by drought-like conditions,necessitated prioritizing drinking water needs.
Water has already begun to flow from the reservoir,responding to the dire demands of residents and farmers alike. Recent heavy rainfall in Maharashtra has significantly boosted inflows into the Krishna River, enhancing storage levels at both Almatti and Narayanpur reservoirs. This increase in water availability has allowed the government to act swiftly in addressing the needs of Kalaburagi.
Of the total water released,1 tmcft will be directed to the Sonna, Ghattarga, and Kallur barrages in Afzalpur taluk IBC and JBC canals. Additionally, 0.80 tmcft will be allocated to Saradgi barrage,while 0.305 tmcft will support tanks managed by the Minor Irrigation Department,benefiting villages in Jewargi and Yadrami taluks.
Shariff emphasized the importance of ensuring that the released water is utilized judiciously and managed effectively. He instructed relevant departments to prioritize the distribution and management of this vital resource.
As of Sunday morning, Narayanpur reservoir recorded a water level of 492.09 meters, nearing its full reservoir level of 492.25 meters. Over the previous 24 hours,the reservoir experienced an average inflow of 52,370 cusecs,while the outflow was recorded at 32,686 cusecs. Currently,the discharge into the river stands at 24,560 cusecs. The reservoir's gross storage is at 32.56 tmcft,which is 97.75% of its total capacity of 33.313 tmcft, with a live storage of 17.80 tmcft against a full capacity of 18.553 tmcft.
