Kushalnagar: After weeks of concern over a weak monsoon and possibility of drought, widespread rainfall across Kodagu has significantly increased inflows into Harangi Dam, prompting authorities to release 4,000 cusecs (cubic feet per second) of water yesterday.

Residents living along the downstream stretches of Harangi River were advised to remain alert, secure their belongings, move livestock to safer locations and take necessary precautions to minimise the risk of flooding.

Continuous rainfall across Kodagu district over the past week has led to a sharp rise in inflows into Harangi Reservoir near Kushalnagar. With the reservoir nearing its Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of 2,859 feet, officials began releasing water as a precautionary measure to maintain safe storage levels.

Water released from the Harangi Dam eventually flows downstream into KRS Reservoir in Mandya district. Executive Engineer I.K. Puttaswamy, who is in charge of the reservoir, confirmed the rise in inflows and the subsequent release of water.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, he said the reservoir was almost full, holding 8.1 tmcft (thousand million cubic feet) against its total storage capacity of 8.5 tmcft. Water level had reached 2,858 feet, just one foot below maximum permissible level of 2,859 feet.

“With an inflow of about 4,000 cusecs, we have begun releasing an equal quantity of water into river to ensure the reservoir remains within safe limits,” he said.

He added that future releases would be regulated based on rainfall in catchment areas and volume of inflows. A decision on releasing water into irrigation canals will be taken only after the Irrigation Consultation Committee meets and obtains approval from the competent authorities.