Mysuru: Heavy monsoon rainfall in Kodagu has significantly improved water storage in the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) reservoir at Srirangapatna in Mandya district, which crossed the 100-feet mark for the first time this monsoon season today (Aug. 3). The reservoir stood at 100.34 feet against its full reservoir level of 124.80 feet.

According to official data, the reservoir is receiving an inflow of 32,048 cusecs, while 1,821 cusecs are being released downstream. Gross storage has increased to 23.079 tmcft, compared with its full capacity of 49.452 tmcft.

Although the recent rainfall has boosted storage, the KRS has reached the 100-feet mark much later than in previous years. In 2025, the reservoir crossed 100 feet on May 30, while in 2024 it reached the milestone on June 5.

The level touched 100 feet on July 25 in 2023 and July 21 in 2021, while in 2022 the reservoir crossed the mark as early as May 13.

65 days later than in 2025

Of the past six years, 2026 is the latest the KRS reservoir has crossed the 100-feet mark, doing so nearly 80 days later than in 2022, 65 days later than in 2025, and 59 days later than in 2024.

Storage levels also remain substantially lower than last year. On Aug. 3, 2025, the reservoir stood at 122.35 feet with a gross storage of 46.10 tmcft.

Also, in 2026, the lowest water level was recorded on 3 August at 100.34 ft., nearly 24.46 ft. below the full reservoir level (124.80 ft.).

Compared to Aug. 3, 2025, the reservoir level in 2026 was lower by 23.021 ft., while gross storage declined from 46.10 tmcft to 23.08 tmcft, marking a reduction of 23.02 tmcft (about 50 percent). Notably, 2022 had the highest full storage, with the reservoir at its full level of 124.80 ft. (49.45 tmcft).

The data highlights that 2026 is the weakest storage year on Aug. 3 among the past six years, whereas 2022, 2024 and 2025 had already reached near-full or full capacity by the same date.

While early attainment of the 100-ft. mark, as seen in 2022 and 2025, points to pre-monsoon showers and strong early inflows, 2023 and 2021 reflect delayed but heavy rainfall.

Deficit rainfall

The pre-monsoon season of 2026 has left a worrying mark on the Cauvery basin, with rainfall falling well below normal across Mysuru, Mandya and Kodagu districts between March 1  and May 31.

Mysuru received just 114.6 mm of rain against a normal of 198.1 mm, a deficit of 42 percent. Mandya fared slightly better, recording 139.8 mm against a normal of 159 mm, a 12 percent shortfall.

Kodagu, the crucial catchment area for the Cauvery, was hit hardest, receiving only 118.4 mm compared to a normal of 244.6 mm, a staggering 52 percent deficit.

The cumulative rainfall also shows significant shortfalls. Between Jan. 1 and Aug. 2, Mysuru received just 230.4 mm of rain against a normal of 428.3 mm, a deficit of 46 percent.

Mandya recorded 231.8 mm compared to the normal 284.5 mm, reflecting a 19 percent shortfall. Kodagu received 1,054.9 mm against a normal of 1,697.5 mm, marking a 38 percent deficit.

Water levels on Aug. 3

Date Level

03.08.2026-100.34

03.08.2025-122.35

03.08.2024-123.27

03.08.2023-113.48

03.08.2022-124.80

03.08.2021-115.38