MANDYA: The incessant rainfall in Cauvery river catchment areas in Kodagu district has resulted in a gradual rise in the water level in Krishnarajasagara reservoir (KRS).

Dam authorities said since the last three days, the water level in the reservoir has risen by 4ft. The water level which was stood at 62.92 ft on June 12, has risen up to 66 ft as on Sunday with an inflow of 4,016 cusec, while the outflow is 894 cusec. During the corresponding period last year, the water level stood at 72.30ft, inflow was 265 cusec and outflow 204 cusec.

"The reservoir started to receive significant inflow after June 13. On Saturday, the inflow increased to 5,496 cusec and on Sunday it was 4,016 cusec. We expect more inflow into the reservoir as predictions suggest more rain in the Cauvery river catchment areas," said an irrigation officer.

Shambunahalli Suresh, a farmer leader, said: "We are staring at a third consecutive drought year. It has been a fortnight since monsoon hit the mainland. But we have received only scanty rainfall. However, we are a little relieved as there are reports of copious rainfall in Cauvery river catchment areas."