Excess water from the Tunga reservoir at Gajanur in Shivamogga being released on Monday, as the inflow increased due to heavy rains in the catchment area.
| Photo Credit: S.K. Dinesh
The Tunga river is in spate following heavy rain in its catchment areas across Sringeri and Tirthahalli taluks. The water level at the dam across the river at Gajanur has reached its maximum level, prompting officials to release excess water through the crest gates.
The swollen river has flooded adjoining areas. Several areca plantations in Kuskur and neighbouring villages in Shivamogga taluk, as well as roads along the river bank, are inundated, causing hardship for residents living close to the river bed.
As of Monday morning, the inflow into the river stood at 86,123 cusecs, forcing officials to maintain the outflow at 89,503 cusecs. The increased outflow has swollen the river as it passes through Shivamogga city, with the water level reaching the pedestal built on the riverbank. Many people, including politicians, offered prayers to the river. On this day last year, the inflow was 14,868 cusecs and the outflow 13,863 cusecs.
The inflow into the Bhadra reservoir at Lakkavalli in Tarikere taluk is also rising. On Monday morning, the inflow was 36,103 cusecs. The water level stood at 2,135.5 ft. against the full reservoir level of 2,158 ft., with the gross storage at 46.25 TMC against a gross capacity of 71.53 TMC.
However, rain intensity eased on the third day of the month compared with the first two. According to records, the district recorded an average rainfall of 19.54 mm in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 a.m. on Monday. Tirthahalli and Hosanagara taluks recorded the highest rainfall at 37.2 mm, followed by Sagar at 30.9 mm, Sorab at 15.6 mm, Shivamogga at 3.9 mm, and Bhadravathi at 1.3 mm.
Published – August 03, 2026 07:00 pm IST
