Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary returning to normalcy; Ban on tourist entry continues
Srirangapatna: The KRS dam is almost full following heavy rains in Kodagu district and just over half-a-feet is left to touch the maximum level of 124.80 feet. The water level today was recorded at 124.10 feet.
Due to the floods in Kodagu, 41 feet of water has flown into the reservoir from Aug.5. On the same day, the water level was 83.50 feet. As the water was flowing from Hemavathy reservoir, it was being released into the river. From Monday, since the inflow has decreased, the outflow has been reduced.
On Tuesday evening, the inflow was 54,496 cusecs and outflow 43,093 cusecs. Last year, on Aug.7, the reservoir was filled to the brim. Since the KRS is full, the farmers in the river basin areas are rejoicing.
Meanwhile, the world famous Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary near Srirangapatna is returning to normalcy and the officials are heaving a sigh of relief.
As a result of increase in outflow from KRS, the Sanctuary was submerged on Saturday last and even the officials and staff were stranded. However, the entry to visitors is banned for another three to four days.
We are all happy that KRS is full and we need not worry about water crisis. This is the wrong thing we have been doing all these years. Since we have managed (in real fact poor have been facing water crisis every day irrespective of KRS is full or not) with water crisis, we have never attempted to find a solution. it is now when there is no crisis to think of finding a permanent solution. When the house is on fire no use of attempting to drill a well to get water. Just ten days back we were wondering when KRS water level was below 90 Ft. and there was very little chance of water level going above 100 ft before rains stop.
An activist group like MGP should take the leadership by involving leaders of all political parties as soon as possible and also contact leading engineering colleges to give support.
About five years back, the full capacity of KRS dam was recorded as 49 TMCFt, whereas Mettur dam which gets water discharged from Karnataka from Cauvery river, as 94 TMCFt.
But recent data from KSNDMC shows the full capacity of KRS as 45 TMCFt.
Why the difference of 4 TMCFt?
Is it due to silt formation in the dam that cannot be cleared?
Can somebody brief me on this matter.Thanks
Water conservation is the top most priority and everyone must contribute in this direction.