Heavy rainfall across Kodagu district following a low-pressure system has brought relief to the residents and farmers, with water inflow into the Harangi reservoir in the district at a very high level.
After several weeks of rainfall deficit and low water availability from heavy rains and weak water supply, continuous showers over the last four days have brought relief to the district. There is the Harangi reservoir, one of the most important water storage facilities in Kodagu, at 8.30 am on Sunday, at 2,846 cusecs of water inflow into the Harangi reservoir, according to the numbers released by the local water authority.
This has also raised the water level of the Cauvery River and there is now positive news at the Cauvery River and people are hopeful about the possibility of water supply for the next summer season. The latest rain has brought relief to agriculture and improved the prospects for water supply in the district.
All over Kodagu, Madikeri district headquarters, Madikeri, and several parts of Kodagu were experiencing heavy rainfall Saturday night. The repeated showers led to more water flow into the Cauvery River and its tributaries, and hence it increased the inflow in Harangi reservoir. The district had been under heavy rainfall deficit since June and July, with rainfall reportedly falling approximately 42 per cent below the normal level.
While the district had suffered from a severe rainfall deficit during June and July, rainfall was very poor in August, with dry conditions affecting the water availability in the Cauvery River and Harangi reservoir. These low water levels had concerned the district’s residents, farmers, and authorities about the availability of water for drinking and agricultural purposes. The recent rain has now improved the situation, offering some relief after a long period of insufficient rainfall.
The Harangi reservoir has a total storage capacity of about 8.5 thousand million cubic feet (TMC), and the storage capacity of the reservoir is currently reported to be 4.3 TMC. The inflow in the reservoir was around 500 to 600 cusecs in recent days before the recent rainfall, which has considerably increased the water flow.
According to the information reported yesterday, the inflow is now 2,812 cusecs and the reported Sunday morning figure is 2,846 cusecs. It shows that the reservoir has been able to hold water after continuous rainfall in the watershed. The reservoir has quite a lot of water, and more rain is anticipated in the next few days.
The recent rainfall has brought great joy to the people of Kodagu, particularly farmers who have been worried over longer dry periods and how the long-term dry weather may have affected crop production and farming activities. The Cauvery River had suffered from reduced water flow during the dry season, with rocks and exposed sections becoming visible in several stretches. The lack of rain had raised doubts about irrigation and water for crops.
As more rain has been falling over the past four days, farmers are expecting more moisture in the soil and better conditions for farming. The rise in the inflow of water into Harangi reservoir has also helped in the catchment area and is leading to increased expectations that the water supply will get better if rains continue across the catchment area. The new developments have thus made agricultural communities optimistic for the long run and for the regular rainfall and reservoir storage they need.
According to rainfall measurements taken in the district, it is observed that several locations recorded substantial precipitation. Kushalnagar got 40.9 mm rainfall while Madikeri received 40.2 mm. Suntikoppa received 38.6 mm rainfall, Napoklu received 35.6 mm rainfall, and Bhagamandala got 45.3 mm rainfall. Sampaje recorded the highest rainfall of 50.6 mm, and Shanivarsanthe received 31.6 mm rainfall, while Somwarpet received 32.4 mm rainfall and Shantalli received 35.1 mm rainfall.
Other places also had rain, such as Kodlipet at 20.2 mm, Virajpet at 22.39 mm, Ammathi at 8.1 mm, Ponnampet at 5.3 mm, Srimangala at 8.2 mm, Hudikeri at 12.7 mm and Baleele at 5.4 mm as well. It is clear that rainfall was widespread across the district, but the intensity of rainfall varied considerably between locations.
Although the reservoir storage and agricultural prospects have been positively affected by the heavy rainfall, it has also caused damage to residential properties in some parts of Kodagu. In P. Peraje village under Sampaje hobli in Madikeri taluk, the residential house of Padmayya Chamkaje has been badly damaged by heavy rainfall.
In Siddalingapura village of Kushalnagar taluk, the house of Yashodha also sustained damage, with a portion of the wall reportedly affected by the rain. The extent of the damage and the need for assistance will be important considerations for local authorities as the district continues to experience wet weather.
The renewed rainfall has brought some relief to people who had been concerned about water shortages during the coming summer. The improved inflow into Harangi reservoir and increased water availability in the Cauvery River have raised hopes for drinking water requirements and agricultural activities.
However, the district's water situation will depend on how much additional rainfall the catchment areas receive in the coming days. Continued showers could further improve reservoir storage, while any prolonged dry spell may affect the pace of recovery. For now, the rainfall has provided a welcome improvement in Kodagu, even as residents in vulnerable areas remain cautious about possible house damage and other rain-related impacts.
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