Mysore/Mysuru: The water level at the Kabini Reservoir at Beechanahalli in H.D. Kote taluk, the first reservoir in the region to reach full capacity this season, has dipped following a decline in inflow.

As of today, the reservoir level stood at 2,252.82 ft with an inflow of 103 cusecs, compared to 2,267.75 ft on the corresponding day last year. Authorities are currently releasing 700 cusecs of water into the river.

Meanwhile, officials of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) have predicted the onset of the monsoon in Kerala on May 25 and in Karnataka next week. Officials warned that a delay in the monsoon could trigger a drinking water crisis in districts including Bengaluru, Mysuru and Chamarajanagar.

Antharasanthe Range Forest Officer Siddaraju said, there are 22 lakes within the H.D. Kote forest limits under the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve and water is being pumped into key water bodies such as Tiger Tank, Bison Tank, Somaiahana Kattekere and Shivamadanahalla using solar-powered pumps.

“There is sufficient water in the remaining 18 lakes. While some wild animals depend on these lakes for drinking water, others rely on the Kabini backwaters. Recent rainfall in the forest area has also ensured adequate green cover,” he said.