Water only for drinking and not for irrigation as KRS levels remain low: Ramalinga Reddy

The Karnataka Water Resources Minister said the reservoir currently holds 14.5 tmcft of water, of which about 10.1 tmcft is usable after excluding dead stock. | Photo credit: File photo

The water currently available in the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) reservoir is sufficient to meet drinking water requirements for the next three to four months, but cannot be released for irrigation at present, Karnataka Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy said on Friday (July 10).

Addressing reporters after presiding over a meeting with elected representatives and officials from Mandya, Mysuru and Chamarajanagar regions to review the water situation in the KRS command area, the minister said the existing reservoir would be reserved primarily for drinking water supply.

He said the reservoir currently holds 14.5 tmcft of water, of which about 10.1 tmcft is usable after excluding dead stock. “The available water will be sufficient to meet the drinking water needs of Mysuru, Mandya and Chamarajanagar districts for the next three to four months. Irrigation is not possible under the present circumstances,” he said.

Mr. Reddy added that water will be released for agricultural purposes if the storage level improves after the inflow is increased.

The minister said inflows into the Cauvery basin reservoirs have improved after rains in Kodagu and adjoining areas. At present, the combined inflow into KRS, Harangi, Kabini and Hemavathi reservoirs is 41,731 cusecs. If inflows continue at the current rate, the water situation is expected to improve, he said.

Cloud seeding

The state government is also considering cloud seeding as a measure to address the rainfall deficit, Mr. Reddy said.

Reports indicated that rainfall was below normal in Karnataka and 11 other states. The government has directed officials to consult experts and submit a report on the feasibility of cloud seeding, the minister said.

Release to Tamil Nadu

Mr. Reddy noted that only about 3 tmcft has been released to Tamil Nadu since June due to insufficient rainfall and low storage in reservoirs. Karnataka was required to release 40 tmcft of water to Biligundl during June and July based on the Cauvery Tribunal award, he said.

He clarified that the state government will act in accordance with the guidelines of Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC). “The CWRC is scheduled to meet on July 15. We will place the prevailing situation before the committee, which will take the appropriate decision. Drinking water will continue to be the top priority and we will follow the committee’s instructions regarding the remaining water,” he said.

Published – 10 Jul 2026 21:19 IST