---
title: "Kabini Dam Discharges Set to Reach Mettur Reservoir Following Karnataka Rains"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/kabini-dam-discharges-set-to-reach-mettur-reservoir-following-karnataka-rains-xrquv
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: India
published: 2026-08-02T18:52:56.000Z
modified: 2026-08-02T21:00:40.199Z
language: en-IN
---

# Kabini Dam Discharges Set to Reach Mettur Reservoir Following Karnataka Rains

Increased water release from Karnataka's Kabini Dam is navigating a dry riverbed to reach the Tamil Nadu border by early August. Officials expect a significant rise in Mettur Dam storage once Karnataka's Krishnaraja Sagar reaches its capacity.

## Key takeaways

- Kabini Dam discharge increased to 25,000 cusecs on August 1 following heavy rains in Karnataka.
- The water is expected to reach the Mettur Dam in Tamil Nadu by late August 3 or August 4 after traversing a dry riverbed.
- Mettur Dam irrigation releases will only be considered once the reservoir level exceeds the 90-foot threshold.
- Full scale surplus flow depends on the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam, which is currently at less than half its 49.45 tmc ft capacity.

## Cauvery Flow Delayed by Parched Riverbed

Water released from the Kabini Dam in Karnataka is slated to cross into Tamil Nadu on Monday, August 3, 2026. Water Resources Department (WRD) officials estimate the flow will enter the Mettur Dam by late Monday night or Tuesday, August 4. Although authorities initially projected an arrival by Sunday evening, the parched conditions of the Cauvery riverbed have absorbed significant volume, slowing the downstream progression of the water.

## Discharge Volumes and Reservoir Impact

The release sequence began on Saturday, August 1, starting at a modest 500 cusecs. By Saturday afternoon, engineers increased the flow to 5,000 cusecs, eventually ramping up to 25,000 cusecs by nightfall. The WRD anticipates this 25,000 cusec rate will remain steady for several days. Impact on the Mettur Dam is expected to be measurable: - A sustained 24-hour inflow of 25,000 cusecs will raise the reservoir level by approximately four feet. - Government officials will wait for the water level to surpass the 90-foot mark before authorizing releases for delta irrigation. - As of Sunday, August 2, Mettur stood at 73.33 feet, representing 35.63 tmc ft of its 93.47 tmc ft capacity.

## KRS Dam Status and Long-term Outlook

While the Kabini release provides immediate relief, larger volumes depend on the status of the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) Dam. Currently, the KRS Dam holds 20 tmc ft against a maximum capacity of 49.45 tmc ft. Provided recent heavy rainfall persists, officials believe the KRS Dam could hit its capacity within ten days. Once full, the resulting surplus from Karnataka will flow directly toward Mettur, significantly boosting Tamil Nadu's water security for the season. In the interim, Mettur maintains a drinking water discharge of 1,500 cusecs despite a minimal current inflow of 47 cusecs.

Source: The Hindu — National

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/kabini-dam-discharges-set-to-reach-mettur-reservoir-following-karnataka-rains-xrquv
Reported from: The Hindu — National