Due to continuous rainfall in the Cauvery catchment area, the outflow from the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) and Kabini dams has been increased. A new flood warning has been issued for those living downstream of both dams.
Low-lying areas in Mandya, Mysuru, and Chamarajanagar districts are at risk, prompting authorities to advise residents living along riverbanks to move to safer locations.
The outflow from the KRS Dam, which rose to 1.5 lakh cusecs on Tuesday night, was reduced to 1.07 lakh cusecs by Wednesday morning. However, a late evening update indicated that the discharge from KRS had been increased to 1.7 lakh cusecs.
Sources from Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Ltd. explained that the fluctuations in outflow are intended to manage the reservoir level, which has reached its maximum of 124.8 feet.
The inflow into KRS has been increased by water released from the Hemavathi Dam at 74,875 cusecs and from the Harangi Dam at 19,250 cusecs. Additionally, heavy rainfall in Bhagamandala and other parts of Kodagu over the past week has further raised the water volume in the Cauvery River.
On Wednesday evening, the combined outflow from the KRS and Kabini reservoirs exceeded 2.4 lakh cusecs. As the Kabini joins the Cauvery at T. Narsipur, villages downstream from this confluence are expected to experience significant impacts from the high discharge.
In response, the district administrations of Mysuru and Chamarajanagar have issued flood warnings and advised residents to stay away from riverbanks. As a precaution, tourists are prohibited from visiting Bharachukki Falls and Hogenakkal in Chamarajanagar district until August 2 due to the high water levels.
The Mandya district administration has identified 92 villages at risk of flooding if KRS outflow surpasses 1 lakh cusecs and has implemented precautionary measures. Farmers are cautioned against working in fields near the riverbanks or in low-lying areas.
Places such as Paschimavahini near Srirangapatna and the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary are closed to visitors. Barricades have also been set up to restrict access to Wellesley Bridge.
In Mysuru, authorities have banned movement on bridges that are prone to submersion when dam outflows increase.
In Kollegal, 11 villages across four gram panchayats have been identified as vulnerable to flooding.
Mr. Mahesh, Assistant Commissioner of Kollegal, stated that 172 people are currently housed in relief centers and will remain there until floodwaters recede.
"Not all families need to be relocated; only those residing in low-lying areas and along riverbanks will be moved to the relief centers," he added.
