Record Storage in KRS, Kabini Raises Hopes for Kabini Phase II Water Project

Project likely to expand rain-fed irrigation areas in Cauvery basin, recharge groundwater table

- K SHIVA KUMAR @Mysuru

WITH Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) and Kabini reservoirs brimming for over five months and no demand from the riparian state for the release of water following heavy rain and back-to-back cyclones in the last few months, the call for the Kabini second phase irrigation project is getting traction to expand irrigation areas in rain-fed taluks of the old Mysuru region.

The KRS has maintained a maximum storage capacity of 124.8 ft for more than 160 days and the current level of the dam is 124.3 ft while the Kabini reservoir level is pegged at 2,280 ft as against 2,284 ft.

The Kabini phase-1 water project has covered parts of T Narsipur and Nanjangud in Mysuru district and Kollegal taluk in Chamarajanagar district. Both the districts have larger areas falling in rain-fed category.