Inflow of Tunga river in Karnataka rises after heavy rainfall in Western Ghats

Shivamogga: The inflow of river Tunga has risen following the copious rains in the Western Ghats region on Monday.

On Monday evening, four crest gates of Tunga dam (also known as Gajanuru dam) were opened to release 5,000 cubic unit per second (cusec) excess water to the river.

Tunga dam provides drinking water to Shivamogga and water for canal irrigation for paddy and areca crops. The maximum capacity of the reservoir is 588.24 tmc feet. The dam completely dried and reached dead storage in June.

Phaniraju, superintendent engineer said, "June 9 was the last date for releasing water for drinking purpose. We lifted four gates to release 5,000 cusec yesterday."

"Today we have released 3,000 cusec, and inflow is 6,000cusec. Shivamogga town depends on this dam. This water will suffice to meet one-year drinking water and canal irrigation requirements," he added.