The Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) dam in Karnataka will supply water for standing crops in May, providing relief to farmers in the region. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Cauvery Water Management Authority, which reviewed the water availability in the reservoir. Despite below-average rainfall in the catchment area, the dam currently holds sufficient water to meet the irrigation needs for the upcoming month.
Water Release Schedule
Officials announced that water would be released from May 1 to May 31, targeting standing crops that require irrigation during this period. The release will be managed to ensure equitable distribution across the command area, covering districts such as Mysuru, Mandya, and parts of Chamarajanagar. Farmers have been advised to use water judiciously and adopt efficient irrigation methods.
Impact on Agriculture
The timely release is crucial for crops like sugarcane, paddy, and horticultural plants that are in their growth phase. Farmers, who were worried about water scarcity due to delayed monsoons, have welcomed the decision. However, experts caution that continuous monitoring of water levels is essential, as the dam's storage may deplete faster if summer temperatures rise.
The KRS dam, with a capacity of around 49 tmcft, currently holds about 30 tmcft of water. The release for May is expected to consume around 10 tmcft, leaving enough for drinking water needs in cities like Bengaluru and Mysuru. The Cauvery Water Management Authority will reconvene in June to assess the situation and plan for the remaining summer months.
