Chikkamagaluru: After a delay of nearly a month, the southwest monsoon has gained momentum in Chikkamagaluru and Hassan districts, bringing widespread rainfall over the past three days. The fresh spell of rain has significantly increased inflows into major reservoirs, including the Bhadra dam at Lakkavalli and the Hemavathi dam at Gorur in Hassan district.The Bhadra dam is currently receiving an inflow of 2,108 cusecs, while the outflow stands at 210 cusecs. The water level has reached 139ft against the full reservoir level (FRL) of 186ft.Similarly, the Hemavathi dam has recorded a sharp rise in inflow. The reservoir level has reached 2,892.9ft against its maximum level of 2,922ft. The dam currently holds 15.6tmcft of water out of its total capacity of 37.1tmcft. Inflow to the reservoir has crossed 3,752 cusecs following continuous rainfall in Mudigere taluk of Chikkamagaluru district and Sakleshpur taluk of Hassan district.According to data released by the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC), Chikkamagaluru district received 18mm of rainfall on July 4. Sringeri taluk recorded the highest rainfall at 89mm, followed by Koppa and Mudigere, which received 46mm each.The improved rainfall has raised hopes among farmers and coffee growers of a good yield next year. Coffee planters have begun fertilizer application, while agricultural activities have picked up across the region.However, farmers say the rainfall remains below normal compared to previous years and caution that next year could be difficult if the monsoon weakens again. They fear severe water shortages if rainfall remains below average.“We need at least 100 inches of rainfall to sustain ourselves through the next season. There could be a serious drinking water crisis if the monsoon remains below average,” said farmer Rudrappa.However, KSNDMC officials said normal rainfall is expected in both districts. According to current forecasts, Chikkamagaluru and Hassan are likely to receive normal rainfall during July and Aug.
