KRS Dam Level Crosses 100 Feet in Mandya

The water level in the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) reservoir in Mandya district, Karnataka, officially breached the 100-foot mark on August 3, 2026. This significant milestone comes after the dam recorded a rapid 10-foot rise in its water level within a single week. Official data confirms that the inflow into the reservoir reached 32,048 cusecs on Monday, providing a massive boost to the state's water storage levels. The reservoir, which has a maximum capacity of 124.80 feet, is now steadily approaching its peak capacity as rains continue to lash the region.

The sudden surge in water levels is primarily attributed to sustained and heavy rainfall in the Cauvery River's catchment areas, particularly in the Kodagu district. Over the past seven days, consistent downpours have saturated the soil and increased runoff into the river systems feeding the KRS dam. Irrigation department officials noted that the inflow has remained consistently high, allowing the reservoir to recover from earlier deficits. This year's monsoon performance in south Karnataka has surpassed initial forecasts, ensuring that the critical infrastructure can meet the irrigation and domestic demands of the surrounding districts.

The rising water level at KRS provides critical relief for farmers in Mandya, Mysuru, and Chamarajanagar who depend on the Cauvery basin for their Kharif crops. It also ensures a stable supply of drinking water for Bengaluru, which relies heavily on this reservoir for its daily consumption needs. As the dam nears its maximum level, authorities are monitoring the outflow closely to prevent flooding in low-lying downstream areas. The current storage levels provide a significant buffer for the state, reducing the immediate risk of water scarcity for both agricultural and urban sectors through the upcoming months.