Karnataka: Historic milestone as KRS reservoir fills up fully in June for first time in 93 years

In an unprecedented event in Karnataka’s water history, the iconic Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) reservoir has reached its full capacity in the month of June for the first time since its construction 93 years ago. The KRS dam, located near the scenic village of Kannambadi in Mandya district, has never been completely filled during this month, marking a significant hydrological record for the region.

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On this momentous occasion, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will offer the traditional Bagina to River Cauvery today at 11:30 AM during the auspicious Abhijit Muhurta. The dam site has been beautifully decorated with fresh green festoons, colourful Kannada flags, and floral arches, transforming the Kannambadi Katte into a sight to behold for visitors and devotees alike.

The religious rituals will be led by Vedic scholar Bhanuprakash Sharma. Notably, this is the fourth time Siddaramaiah will have the honour of offering Bagina to the river, but this one is especially historic: he becomes the first Chief Minister of Karnataka to perform this ritual for the Cauvery in the month of June. The tradition of Bagina offerings at KRS dates back to 1979 during the tenure of then Chief Minister D. Devaraj Urs. Since then, never has the dam been full enough in June to allow the ceremony to take place at this time of year.

The reservoir currently stands at its maximum level of 124.80 feet, holding 49.452 TMC of water, its full storage capacity. The inflow has been recorded at an impressive 28,938 cusecs while the outflow stands at 28,681 cusecs, ensuring effective water management downstream.

Several dignitaries, including Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Agriculture Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy, will join the Chief Minister for the ritual and the subsequent public programme. Locals see this not just as a sign of plentiful rains and good monsoons ahead but also as an auspicious blessing for farmers across the Cauvery basin.