UNFOLDING WATER CRISIS IN CAUVERY BASIN RESERVOIRS
Why in the News ?
- Major reservoirs in Karnataka’s Cauvery basin witness a drastic decline in water levels.
- Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS), Kabini, Hemavathi, and Harangi collectively hold 59.07 tmcft, only 51.56% of their gross Capacity.
Source: Cauvery.com
Cauvery River
· The Cauvery River is a sacred river in southern India, revered as the “Ganges of the South.” · Originates in the Kodagu Hills of Karnataka. · Cauvery River basin encompasses three states and one union territory: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. · The river’s delta, known as the “Garden of Southern India” · Cauvery is a focal point for interstate water disputes. |
Significant Shortfall:
- This marks a sharp decrease compared to the 100.69 tmcft stored during the same period last year.
- The cumulative storage deficit intensifies concerns over water availability in the upcoming months.
Critical Drinking Water Supply:
- The available water should ideally last until the onset of the monsoon in June, catering to drinking water needs for major cities, including Bengaluru and Mysuru.
Monsoon Deficiency Impact:
- The region experienced a 26% rainfall deficiency during the southwest monsoon and continues to face a 31% deficiency in the ongoing monsoon season.
- This shortfall aggravates the situation, particularly in south-interior Karnataka.
Limited Relief from Northeast Monsoon:
- Despite being a less significant beneficiary of the northeast monsoon, the region hasn’t received even a nominal quantum of rainfall.
- Insufficient rainfall hampers
- Efforts to increase the moisture index,
- Recharge groundwater, and
- Reduce dependency on reservoirs.
Widening Rainfall Deficit:
- From June 1 to November 19, the cumulative rainfall deficit reaches 28%, compounding water scarcity concerns.
- An additional challenge is the shortfall in rainfall for other districts, ranging from 26% to 55%, exacerbating drought conditions in the state.
The declining water levels and persistent rainfall deficits underscore the urgency for proactive water management strategies and conservation efforts in the Cauvery basin.