Mysuru, 27 July

Inflow to major dams in the Cauvery basin in State has shot up following an increase in rainfalls in several regions, inundating several places.

On Sunday, over 50,000 cusecs of water was released from the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) dam, which had reached its full reservoir level of 124ft.

Heavy rains in the catchment areas in Kodagu and the Western Ghats over the past two days forced the already full dam to release excess water downstream, resulting in flooding. Residents of low-lying areas have also been alerted to move to safer places.

The release of water also led to the Kapila river submerging a bathing ghat in Nanjangud.

The famous Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in Srirangapatna shut for visitors as a precautionary measure. Once the water level recedes, the sanctuary will be opened, officials said.

"Boating was suspended on Sunday following a flood warning as surplus water was released from the dam. Depending upon the flood situation, a decision will be taken on whether to extend the closure for tourists’ safety,” said Deputy Conservator of Forest (Wildlife – Mysuru) KN Basavaraju.

Police have been deployed at the KRS dam site and other spots, including Balamuri, on the river bank to stop people from getting close to the water.

Similarly, excess water was also released from Kabini, Hemavathi, Nugu and Taraka dams due to heavy rains, resulting in flooding downstream.

Kabini dam authorities released 45,000 cusecs of water from the dam to the downstream river, while inflow was maintained at 31,000 cusecs. The bridge in front of the Kabini dam was also submerged following the release of a huge amount of water.

With water also released from Taraka dam, a road connecting various villages to Katt Manuganahalli in HD Kote taluk was also submerged. People living near banks of the village were asked to move to safer places, said Assistant Executive Engineer of Taraka Dam Shekhar Murthy.