The Tungabhadra reservoir, which has a storage capacity of 105.788 TMC, had only 9.55 TMC of water as of Friday, compared to 52.93 TMC at the same time last year. The reservoir’s 33 crest gates were replaced for the first time in its 73-year history and inaugurated on Thursday. However, the onset of monsoon has brought inadequate rainfall, with the southern and malnad regions of the state experiencing a deficit. The Tungabhadra reservoir is fed by the Tunga and Bhadra rivers, which originate in the Western Ghats and merge at Koodli in Shivamogga district. The Tungabhadra Board has completed the installation of the crest gates in a short span, enhancing the reservoir’s safety. The Agriculture Department has advised farmers on crop management due to the rainfall deficit, recommending that rain-fed crops be planted only after adequate rainfall and that intercropping be practiced to conserve soil moisture.
Tungabhadra Reservoir Faces Water Shortage Despite New Crest Gates