Kodagu received 74.33 mm of rain in the last 48 hours

Fears of the swollen Cauvery river entering low-lying residential areas downstream the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) reservoir in the district are back with the catchments of the river in Kodagu district buckling under very-heavy-to-heavy rains.

Kodagu has experienced 74.33 mm of rains in the last 48 hours ending 8.30 a.m. on Sunday. Bhagamandala, the source of Cauvery in Kodagu, witnessed 176.2 mm of rains during the same period leading to a significant rise in the flow of river.

The reservoir near Srirangapatna in Mandya district is nearing maximum capacity and the Irrigation Department has resorted to maintaining heavy discharge to prevent the occurrence of “serious flood-like-situation”.

Data from the Irrigation Department showed that the flow from the KRS was measured at the quantum of 49,444 cusecs at 6 a.m. on Sunday. The outflow rate was 29,163 cusecs at 6 p.m. on August 9, the day when the crest gates were lifted to discharge the surplus water. The release was maintained at the rate of 43,786 cusecs and 62,319 cusecs respectively on August 10 and 11.

The reservoir level was at 121.94 ft. on Sunday morning and the level is expected to reach the maximum of 124.80 over the next 48 hours with the reservoir getting the inflow at the rate of 31,672 cusecs, said department officials.

Flood situations

The river has remained in spate for the past four days, worrying residents of several low-lying areas on either side.

According to sources at the district administration, agencies are on alert to swing into action in emergencies. The Irrigation Department has already issued a general flood alert and asked people not to venture into the river.

Shailaja, Assistant Commissioner of Pandavapura (Revenue subdivision), told The Hindu, “Some of the areas facing possible flood threats are Enne Hole Koppalu, Srinivasa Agrahara, Chinnanayakana Halli, Doddapalya, Mahadevapura, Hangarahalli, Chikkapalya and Ambigara Halli. The Gowthama Kshetra Mutt near Doddegowdana Koppalu and the meditation centre ‘Saidhama’ at Bete Thimmana Koppalu near Pandavapura have also been facing threats. But, Gajanana Swami of Gowthama Kshetra is, as refused on earlier occasions, reluctant to leave.”