Heavy rains: Outflow from Kabini reservoir increased, Hemavati dam shutters to be opened

Increased outflow from Kabini reservoir prompts flood warning in Karnataka; residents urged to move to higher ground for safety.

As monsoon continues to lash Karnataka, the outflow from the Kabini reservoir in Mysuru district of Karnataka was increased to over 25,000 cusecs on Wednesday (June 18, 2025), prompting a flood warning for people living downstream.

Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited (CNNL) has appealed to residents along both banks of the river to avoid going near the water and to shift, along with their animals, to higher ground for safety.

The outflow was increased consequent to a rise in the rate of inflow into the reservoir, which was nearing its capacity. The inflow was 21,545 cusecs at 12 noon on Wednesday (June 18, 2025), while the water level was 2,280.84 ft. against the capacity of 2,284 ft.

The increase in inflow was attributed to heavy rains in the catchment region of the Kapila in the Wayanad region of Kerala.

The rate of inflow into the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) reservoir in Mandya district has also increased owing to heavy rains in Kodagu district. The inflow was 29,368 cusecs while the reservoir level was 113.25 ft. against its capacity of 124.80 ft.

Kodagu district was a beneficiary of the early onset of the south-west monsoon this year, but after a week of intense rains in the last week of May, there was a lull. As a result, the figures for June indicated a deficit in rainfall. But the monsoon gained fresh vigour during the last 48 hours, which resulted in an increase in inflow into various reservoirs, including KRS and Harangi.

Meanwhile, the Superintending Engineer of the Hemavati project has also issued a warning to people downstream of the Hemavati reservoir, located at Gorur in Hassan taluk, to be alert as the crest gates of the dam can be opened to release excess water.