Kodagu Rainfall Deficit: Harangi Dam Water Level Drops 24 Feet, Farmers Concerned

Kodagu is witnessing a sharp rainfall deficit, with the Harangi dam's water level dropping 24 feet compared to last year. Poor inflow has raised concerns over irrigation, drinking water supply and the upcoming monsoon's impact on farmers across the Cauvery basin.

Kodagu district is witnessing a significant rainfall deficit this monsoon, raising fresh concerns over water availability in the Cauvery basin. Kushalnagar and its surrounding villages, which experienced heavy rainfall and flooding during the same period last year, are now facing a starkly different situation. With poor rainfall across the catchment areas, water levels in the Harangi dam have dropped considerably, raising fears of a possible drought-like situation and its impact on agriculture and drinking water supply.

Harangi Dam Records Sharp Decline in Water Level

The contrast with last year is striking. During the corresponding period last year, the Cauvery river was flowing in full spate through Kushalnagar, prompting concerns among residents living along the riverbanks about flooding.

The Harangi dam had reached full capacity, forcing authorities to release excess water into the river. On the same day last year, the dam was releasing around 5,000 cusecs of water, with a similarly strong inflow from the catchment areas.

This year, however, the situation has changed dramatically.

On Thursday evening, the inflow into the Harangi dam stood at just 380 cusecs. The reservoir's water level is currently 24 feet lower than it was during the same period last year. Against its full reservoir level of 2,859 feet, the water level now stands at 2,825.97 feet.

Rainfall Remains Well Below Last Year's Levels

Rainfall data from the Kushalnagar Pravasi Mandira rain gauge illustrates the sharp decline in rainfall.

During the previous monsoon, the area received 720.6 mm of rainfall. This year, it has recorded only 204.2 mm so far.

Similarly, while the Cauvery river flowed around seven metres above the danger level beneath the Kushalnagar bridge during the corresponding period last year, it has not risen by even a single foot this year, raising concerns about the weeks ahead.

Farmers and Water Supply Face Growing Concerns

The rainfall deficit is already affecting agriculture across the Cauvery basin. Farmers in the region have begun relying on sprinkler irrigation to sustain their crops, reflecting the growing pressure on available water resources.

The situation has also raised concerns about the drinking water supply to major cities, including Bengaluru, if rainfall does not improve in the coming weeks.

In addition, the declining water availability could once again intensify the long-standing inter-state dispute over the sharing of Cauvery river water.