Srirangapatna: In response to Bengaluru’s pressing water scarcity, authorities in Mandya have initiated the release of 2,000 to 2,500 cusecs (cubic metres per second) of water from the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam located in Srirangapatna taluk of Mandya district.

As of last evening, four crest gates of the Dam (two near the VC Canal and two near the Dam gallery) have been opened, allowing water to flow continuously.

This morning, the Cauvery Neeravari Nigama Limited (CNNL), responsible for managing the Dam, was making preparations to open two additional crest gates, further facilitating the release of water to alleviate the water shortage in Bengaluru.

Bengaluru, with its 1.3 crore population, faces a shortfall of over 1,500 MLD (Million Litres Per Day) in its daily water needs, which ranges between 2,600-2,800 MLD.

Though CNNL officials were tight-lipped about the sudden water release, sources told Star of Mysore that the water release was in response to the drinking water crisis in Bengaluru. None of the officers were available for comments. However, the KRS Dam water release data from the Mandya District Administration shows that 1,500 cusecs (outflow) of water is being released since yesterday.

The water level at the Dam has dipped to 89.24 ft today as against the maximum level of 124.80 ft. The Dam can hold 49.452 tmcft (thousand million cubic feet) of water but the current capacity is only 15.490 tmcft. The live capacity is 7.111 tmcft and the remaining water is the dead storage level. The Dam has a minimum inflow of 136 cusecs.

Bengaluru has introduced a penalty for wasting drinking water and the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board has recommended economical use of drinking water keeping the crisis in mind. The city residents have been urged to avoid using drinking water for washing vehicles, construction and entertainment purposes, and at cinema halls and malls (except for drinking purposes). A penalty of Rs. 5,000 will be imposed on violators and in case of repetitions, they will be fined an additional amount of Rs. 500 every time, the Board has decided.