Outflow from KRS and Kabini Dams Increased; Flood Alert Issued for Downstream Areas
Team Finance Saathi
01/Aug/2024

Key Points:
Heavy rains in the Cauvery catchment area have led to increased outflow from Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) and Kabini dams, prompting flood warnings.
District administrations in Mysuru, Mandya, and Chamarajanagar have issued precautionary measures, including evacuations from low-lying areas and restrictions on visiting flood-prone tourist spots.
The cumulative outflow from the dams has exceeded 2.4 lakh cusecs, impacting villages downstream and leading to temporary closures of several key areas.
In response to incessant rains in the Cauvery catchment area, authorities have ramped up their flood preparedness as the outflow from the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) and Kabini dams has surged significantly. This development has led to the issuance of fresh flood warnings for communities living downstream of these critical reservoirs. With heavy rainfall in the region contributing to a rise in water levels, precautionary measures and evacuations are being carried out to mitigate the impact on local populations.
Increased Outflow and Flood Alerts
The situation began to escalate as the outflow from the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) dam increased dramatically. Initially recorded at 1.5 lakh cusecs on Tuesday night, the outflow was temporarily reduced to 1.07 lakh cusecs by Wednesday morning. However, a late evening alert indicated that the discharge had surged to 1.7 lakh cusecs. This fluctuation in outflow levels is part of an ongoing effort by the Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Ltd. to manage reservoir levels, which have reached their maximum capacity of 124.8 feet.
In addition to KRS, the Kabini dam's outflow has also contributed to rising water levels. The cumulative outflow from both reservoirs surpassed 2.4 lakh cusecs by Wednesday evening. This increased volume is compounded by water inflows from the Hemavathi (74,875 cusecs) and Harangi (19,250 cusecs) rivers, as well as additional rainfall in Kodagu, which has further augmented the Cauvery’s water levels.
Impact on Downstream Areas
The surge in water discharge has significant implications for the low-lying areas downstream. Districts such as Mandya, Mysuru, and Chamarajanagar are experiencing heightened flood risks. The confluence of the Kabini and Cauvery rivers at T. Narsipur places the villages downstream in particular danger. Consequently, district administrations have issued urgent flood warnings and are taking preventive actions to protect residents.
In Mandya, authorities have identified 92 vulnerable villages at risk of flooding if the outflow exceeds 1 lakh cusecs. Measures have been implemented to safeguard these areas, including advising farmers to avoid agricultural activities near riverbanks and low-lying fields.
Also Read : Myntra's Beauty Edit to Feature 500 D2C Brands by Year-End, Boosting India's Beauty Sector
In Mysuru, the focus has been on ensuring safety around bridges and other critical infrastructure that could become submerged. Authorities have imposed restrictions on movement across certain bridges during increased outflow periods.
Precautionary Measures and Evacuations
In Chamarajanagar, flood warnings have led to the closure of popular tourist destinations such as Bharachukki Falls and Hogenakkal. These areas are currently off-limits to visitors due to the high water levels and potential safety hazards. Similarly, places like Paschimavahini near Srirangapatna and Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary have been closed to the public, with barricades set up to prevent access to affected areas.
The Kollegal region has also been proactive in its flood response. Authorities have identified 11 villages across four gram panchayats as vulnerable. As of now, 172 residents are housed in relief centers, with only those in low-lying and riverbank areas being relocated. Mr. Mahesh, Assistant Commissioner of Kollegal, noted that not all families would need to be moved; the focus remains on those most at risk.
Conclusion
The ongoing rains in the Cauvery catchment area have led to significant challenges for communities downstream of the Krishnaraja Sagar and Kabini dams. With outflows reaching critical levels and heavy rains continuing to affect the region, flood warnings and precautionary measures have been put in place across Mysuru, Mandya, and Chamarajanagar districts. The authorities are working diligently to manage the situation, ensuring the safety of residents and minimizing the impact of these floods on local infrastructure and livelihoods. As the situation evolves, continuous monitoring and timely interventions will be crucial in mitigating the effects of this severe weather event.
Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst & Finance Saathi Telegram Channel for Regular Share Market, News & IPO Updates
Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX & Upstox.