With the Tungabhadra River nearing flood levels due to increased outflow from the dam, Deputy Commissioner Prashant Kumar Mishra has instructed officials to remain on high alert. During a District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) meeting held on Tuesday evening, he directed tahsildars in vulnerable regions, especially Kampli and Siruguppa taluks, to take precautionary steps, including relocating at-risk residents to safer locations.
Mishra noted that the Tungabhadra reservoir has reached its capacity earlier than expected this year due to heavy rainfall in the Malnad region, the catchment area. The Irrigation Consultative Committee (ICC) has decided to retain around 80-85 tmcft of water while releasing the surplus into the river. This has heightened the need for close monitoring in low-lying villages near the riverbanks.
DDMA officer Parmesh reported that the reservoir currently holds 76.7 tmcft of water against its full capacity of 105.8 tmcft, with an inflow of 54,550 cusecs and an outflow of 61,645 cusecs. He mentioned that the Kampli-Gangavathi bridge would be submerged only if the discharge crosses 1,00,000 cusecs, potentially affecting two villages in Kampli and one in Siruguppa.
Temporary relief centres are being prepared, and tahsildars have been asked to conduct daily inspections, warn people against entering the river, and ensure the safety of both residents and livestock. The DC stressed proactive planning to prevent loss of life and crops. Officials from various departments across the district and taluk levels joined the meeting via video conferencing.