Why in News
The water level in the four major reservoirs in Karnataka’s Cauvery basin has dipped to nearly half of their cumulative gross capacity and is a pointer to the unfolding crisis in the weeks ahead.
The available quantum should not only meet the drinking water requirements of major towns and cities, including Bengaluru and Mysuru, but should last till the onset of the monsoon next year which is sometime in June.
Krishnaraja Sagar Dam (KRS): This dam is located in the Mandya district of Karnataka and is the largest dam in the state. It was built in 1930 and has a hydroelectric power generation capacity of 45 MW. The KRS dam is also a major source of irrigation for farmers in the region.
Kabini Dam: This dam is located in the Mysore district of Karnataka and was built in 1953. It has a hydroelectric power generation capacity of 84 MW and is also a major source of irrigation for farmers in the region.
Hemavathi Dam: This dam is located in the Hassan district of Karnataka and was built in 1979.
It has a hydroelectric power generation capacity of 54 MW and is also a major source of irrigation for farmers in the region.
Harangi Dam: This dam is located in the Kodagu district of Karnataka and was built in 1985. It has a hydroelectric power generation capacity of 25 MW and is also a major source of irrigation for farmers in the region.
These four dams play a vital role in the water management of the Cauvery basin in Karnataka, providing irrigation, hydroelectric power, and flood control.
They are also important for the environment, as they help to regulate the flow of the river and prevent erosion.
COMMENTS