Mandya: Torrential showers once again pounded the Cauvery River catchment area, leading to a sharp rise in inflow into the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) dam. With the reservoir nearing its full capacity, the Mandya district administration has imposed strict restrictions on public access to several popular tourist destinations along the Cauvery riverbanks, including the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and Balmuri, both in Srirangapatna taluk.In response to the escalating flood threat, Srirangapatna tahsildar Parashuram Sattigeri ordered the closure of tourist hotspots and riverbank access points. Entry is now strictly prohibited at Balmuri, Edamuri, Sangama, Gosai Ghat, and the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. Additionally, bathing is banned at the Nimishamba and Sriranganatha Swamy Temple ghats. The public has been urged to stay away from the river as the region continues to experience heavy rainfall.Tahsildar Sattigeri also issued a strong warning to the public to avoid entering the Cauvery River for any purpose, including religious rituals, until June 30. Accompanied by police and revenue officials, he conducted inspections along the riverbanks and advised residents not to venture close to the water.With the KRS dam receiving a significant volume of inflow, authorities have begun releasing floodwater as a precautionary measure. As of Wednesday 8pm, 30,216 cusecs of water is being discharged into the Cauvery River, and the outflow is being adjusted based on the rising inflow. The dam’s current water level is 121ft as against its maximum level of 124.8ft. The inflow reached 20,315 cusecs and is expected to surge further to 30,000-50,000 cusecs given heavy rainfall in parts of Mysuru and Kodagu districts.According to Jayanth V, executive engineer, Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited, KR Division, the continuous rainfall in the catchment areas is rapidly pushing the reservoir toward its maximum capacity. As a result, excess water — ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 cusecs — may be released at any time. People residing in low-lying areas and along the riverbanks are urged to move to safer locations and take all necessary precautions to safeguard their life and property.
