On Tuesday, the Linganamakki reservoir in Sagar taluk of Shivamogga district, about 110 km from Bhatkal, recorded a water level of 1,773.15 feet, a significant decline of 37.35 feet compared to the same day last year. Karnataka’s largest hydroelectric reservoir, located on the Sharavathi River, is currently only 29.03 percent full, raising concerns over hydropower generation, drinking water availability, and the possibility of a severe drought in the coming months. The reservoir, which is the main source of water for the Sharavathi Hydroelectric Project, is facing a severe water crisis due to inadequate rainfall across its catchment area. The water level in the reservoir is usually around 1,815 feet by the last week of July, but this year it remains far below normal. The Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) has not issued its second notification for releasing excess water, indicating the severity of the situation. The analysis suggests that poor rainfall across the reservoir’s catchment area is the primary cause of the water crisis, and unless rainfall improves significantly, Karnataka could face a power shortage and a serious drinking water crisis. The shortage of water has also cast uncertainty over electricity generation, with thermal power stations facing water shortages and solar power being limited. Implementing pumped-storage hydropower projects could provide a long-term solution, allowing water to be reused for electricity generation and ensuring a more stable power supply.
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📰 Source: Sahil Online