The Almatti dam in Karnataka has witnessed a massive surge in water storage, logging an increase of 30 tmcft in just 48 hours. This rapid rise comes as heavy rains continue to drench the region, though rainfall has begun to recede in coastal and Malnad districts.
Almatti Dam Storage Surge
According to the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC), the water level at Almatti dam rose sharply, adding 30 tmcft of storage between July 7 and July 9, 2026. The dam, located on the Krishna River in Bijapur district, is a key reservoir for irrigation and drinking water in northern Karnataka.
As of July 9, the dam's storage stood at approximately 80 tmcft, nearing its full capacity of 105 tmcft. Officials stated that the inflow rate was around 1.5 lakh cusecs, driven by heavy rainfall in the Krishna basin catchments in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Rains Recede in Coastal and Malnad Regions
While the Almatti dam benefited from the downpour, the coastal and Malnad districts of Karnataka saw a reduction in rainfall intensity over the past 48 hours. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the southwest monsoon has weakened slightly over the western coast, leading to decreased precipitation in areas like Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Shivamogga.
However, the Cauvery river catchment in Kodagu district continues to experience heavy rains, causing water levels to rise significantly. The water level at the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) dam also increased, though not as dramatically as at Almatti.
Impact on Agriculture and Drinking Water
The surge in Almatti dam storage is a boon for farmers in the region, who rely on the reservoir for kharif crop irrigation. The increased water availability is expected to boost sowing of paddy, sugarcane, and other crops. Additionally, the dam supplies drinking water to several districts, including Bijapur, Bagalkot, and Raichur.
“The sudden rise in storage is a relief after a dry spell earlier this year,” said a KSNDMC official. “We are monitoring the situation closely and will issue flood alerts if inflow continues at this rate.”
The dam authorities have opened one crest gate as a precautionary measure to manage the inflow and prevent any structural stress. Further releases are planned if rainfall persists in the catchment areas.
