State increases discharge of water from Kabini to Tamil Nadu

MYSURU: Despite opposition from farmers, the Irrigation Department has increased discharge of water from 1,000 cusecs to 6,000 cusecs from Kabini to Tamil Nadu. This is in the wake of rise in inflow in the past one week due to incessant rain in Kodagu and Kabini catchment areas.

Sources said the water level in Kabini reservoir stood at 2,274 ft as against the maximum of 2,284 ft on Sunday.

Now, Kabini is 10 ft short of its full capacity and it has come as a great relief to the state. Tamil Nadu had approached the apex court for 52 tmcft of water in July, the quota fixed in the final verdict of the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal. Since the hearing of petitions challenging the Tribunal award is underway in the apex court, the state, which had refused to give water earlier, has decided release water.

The officials in KRS have also released 3,000 cusecs of water to the river in the past 10 days. The KRS level may rise if good rain continues, sources said.

Meanwhile, the crest gates of Harangi dam in Kushalnagar were opened to release 2,000 cusecs of water as against the inflow of 5,600 cusecs.It turned out to be a boon for farmers as the water from Harangi will reach KRS. The water level in Harangi reservoir was 2,857 ft as against the maximum of 2,859 ft.