Water release to Tamil Nadu from KRS dam stopped

MANDYA: With the stipulated quantum of water having been released to Tamil Nadu, the state government on Friday stopped further release from the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) dam to the neighbouring state.

As per the directives of the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee, the state had been releasing 5,000 cusecs of water daily over the last 10 days. The committee had ordered release of 75,000 cusecs and the state has released 62,000 cusecs. Considering the flowing water, the quantum will be reached.

Over the last three days, there has been good rain downstream of the dam and 11,000 cusecs of runoff water has reached Tamil Nadu. Along with the flowing water, the target will be met, according to officials.

Water is now being released into the canals for irrigation.

The Irrigation Department officials have now started releasing water into the canals which had been the demand of the local farmers. The water level in the dam today was 98.06 feet against a maximum of 124.80 feet. The inflow was 2,873 cusecs while the outflow into the canals was 1,737 cusecs. There was 21.327 tmcft of water against a maximum of 49.452 tmcft but only 16 tmcft of water will be available for use.

Meanwhile, a BJP delegation led by former CM Basavaraj Bommai was expected to visit the KRS dam to get first hand information about the water situation from the officials. They will also hold discussions with farmers and then decide on launching a protest.