Waters Rise, Spirits Soar: KRS Dam’s Early Overflow Sets 67-Year Record

Image Source: Deccan Herald

In a once-in-a-blue-moon and record-breaking development, Karnataka's Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam has filled up to its mark of 124.8 feet this June—something never done in all the 84 years of its existence. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah celebrated the occasion on June 30 by conducting the ritual 'bagina' ceremony, the first Karnataka CM in June to do so, thanking the Cauvery river for the good monsoon rains.

Key Highlights:

Record-Breaking Inflow: The KRS dam water level increased from 103.7 ft on June 1 to a full 124.8 ft on June 29 following pre-monsoon and heavy monsoon rains in the Cauvery basin and its nearby Kerala state. Regional dams got 73.4 TMC of inflow from June 1 to June 29, a record increase over last year's numbers.

Record Early Fill: It is the earliest the dam has filled up to capacity, beating the old June record of 1958. Previously, KRS used to fill up in July or August, so filling up this year is especially significant for South Karnataka and Tamil Nadu's water security and agriculture.

Bagina Ritual: The 'bagina' ritual—a saree, blouse, flowers, fruits, bangles, turmeric, vermilion, and rice placed on a bamboo tray—was performed by CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, and ministers. The ritual is a thanksgiving to the river for the reservoir's filling.

Improved Impact: All Cauvery basin reservoirs are currently filled to 89% of their capacity, as against 45% at the corresponding time last year, ensuring strong water supply to irrigation and drinking requirements. Symbolic and Practical Meaning: The first filling has been seen as a blessing for farmers and a political success since it highlights the achievement of water management and the beneficent monsoon. It also sparks ongoing controversy about sharing water and dam safety in the following season.

The festival has been celebrated widely across Karnataka, and the Chief Minister has also performed the same rituals at the Kabini reservoir, stressing the importance of this monsoon-driven milestone for the water security and agricultural success of the state.

Sources: Hindustan Times, Star of Mysore, Deccan Herald