Kodagu: Harangi dam to release water back into the river; warning issued to those on river banks

The Kodagu district was witness to heavy rains over the last week. As a result, the Harangi dam has been a recipient of more influx of water than usual. A decision has been taken in the Cauvery Neeravari Nigama to release the excess water back into the river as a precautionary measure. Settlements around the river banks have been issued an advisory to temporarily shift to localities that are positioned at a higher altitude and would hence not be flooded when the transfer occurs. Harangi reservoir executive engineer Puttuswamy has taken stock of the situation. The maximum storage limit of the dam is capped at 2859 feet. Currently water has been lodged up to a height of 2853 feet. An overall inflow of 4460 cusecs of water has occurred in the dam. 50 cusecs of water would be released back into the river. 

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Meanwhile the monsoon rains have proved to be both a boon and a bane for the people of Kodagu. The past 6 weeks have not recorded rains of a sufficient level for the inflow in Kaveri to stabilise. This is a much needed respite. But many regions of Kodagu also had to bear the cost of power cuts when a tree fell over an electricity wire in Madikeri. Houses were also damaged in certain parts. Cabinet minister KJ George would be paying a visit to some of the rain affected regions.