• UGI USER
  • Nov 20, 2023
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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.