Karnataka’s major reservoirs record second-lowest water storage in 6 years

Mangalore Today News Network

Hubballi, Jul 27, 2026: Karnataka’s 14 major reservoirs have recorded their second-lowest water storage in the past six years, raising concerns over water availability for drinking, irrigation, and power generation.

According to official data, the reservoirs together held 419.35 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) of water as on July 24, against their combined storage capacity of 895.69 tmcft. The only lower level during the same period was in 2023, when storage stood at 371.07 tmcft.

Among the major reservoirs, Almatti is the only one to report higher storage than in previous years, with 106.33 tmcft of water. All other reservoirs are holding at least 25–30% less water than they did on the corresponding date last year.

The situation is particularly alarming in the Cauvery basin, where water levels have fallen below those recorded during the drought year of 2023. The Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) reservoir currently holds 17.13 tmcft, compared to 48.06 tmcft on July 24, 2025, and 19.34 tmcft during the drought year of 2023. Of the four major Cauvery basin reservoirs—Harangi, Hemavathi, KRS, and Kabini—only Harangi is nearing full capacity, with 7.58 tmcft against its capacity of 8.50 tmcft.

The sharp decline has been attributed to poor rainfall in the catchment areas. Kodagu has recorded a 45% rainfall deficit, followed by Mysuru (58%), Chikkamagaluru (42%), Hassan (33%), and Mandya (27%).

Reservoirs in the Krishna basin have also been affected by deficient rainfall. While heavy rains in parts of Maharashtra have boosted inflows into Almatti, other reservoirs continue to remain well below capacity. Ghataprabha held 27.24 tmcft on July 24, compared to 46.35 tmcft on the same date last year.

The Tungabhadra reservoir, where damaged crest gates were recently replaced, remains in a precarious condition, storing only 29.47 tmcft against its full capacity of 105.79 tmcft. On the corresponding date last year, it contained 78.24 tmcft of water.

Hydroelectric reservoirs have also witnessed significantly low storage levels. Linganamakki, Karnataka’s largest reservoir, currently stores 38.76 tmcft against its full capacity of 151.75 tmcft, nearly 10 tmcft less than during the drought year of 2023. Similarly, the Supa reservoir holds 46.79 tmcft, nearly 100 tmcft below its full capacity and lower than its previous low of 57.15 tmcft recorded in 2023.

Former India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director-General Dr. K. J. Ramesh attributed the recurring crisis to poor water management. He said reservoirs are designed to meet drinking water requirements for two years and provide irrigation for at least one cropping season.

"Due to mismanagement and poor planning, most reservoirs are running dry much earlier. Water from reservoirs is not meant to be released for summer crops. However, pressure from farmers often forces officials to release water, resulting in a shortage of drinking water in the following season," he said.

The declining storage levels have intensified concerns over water security, especially if rainfall remains below normal in the coming weeks.