KALABURAGI:

Following increased inflows from the Tunga Dam, Varada river, and continued rainfall in the catchment areas, the Tungabhadra reservoir authorities on Thursday evening raised 20 of its 33 crest gates by 2.5 feet, releasing approximately 58,000 cusecs of water through the spillway.

According to the dam officials, the reservoir was holding 78.01 tmcft of water at a level of 1,625.46 feet as 3 p.m., against the full reservoir level (FRL) of 1,633 feet and a total capacity of 105.78 tmcft. The inflow was recorded at 28,932 cusecs, while the total outflow stood at 62,766 cusecs — comprising both spillway discharge and water released into irrigation canals.

Authorities have alerted people living in the downstream and local administrations that the discharge may vary depending on the inflow, and advised them to remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions.

A a recently held meeting of the Tungabhadra Irrigation Consultative Committee in Bengaluru, chaired by Koppal District In-charge Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi, it was decided to release water into various irrigation canals to support paddy cultivation. Following this, agricultural activity has picked up momentum in canal-fed regions across Koppal, Raichur, and Ballari districts.