Explained | Will Kodagu's Rainfall Deficit Trigger a Cauvery Water Crisis?

The meeting comes at a crucial time, with Karnataka witnessing a rainfall deficit of around 35%, while Kodagu, the largest catchment area of the Cauvery.

The spotlight is once again on Kodagu, the birthplace of the Cauvery River, as the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) meet in New Delhi on Wednesday to review water availability in the Cauvery basin amid a weak southwest monsoon.

The meeting comes at a crucial time, with Karnataka witnessing a rainfall deficit of around 35%, while Kodagu, the largest catchment area of the Cauvery, has recorded an even steeper deficit of 45%. Since the district contributes significantly to the river's flow, below-normal rainfall in Kodagu is expected to affect reservoir storage and water availability across southern Karnataka.

How is Kodagu's rainfall shortage affecting Cauvery reservoirs?

The lack of rainfall in Kodagu has resulted in poor inflows into Karnataka's four major Cauvery basin reservoirs—Harangi, Hemavati, Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS), and Kabini.

Together, these reservoirs currently hold only 52% of their total storage capacity. The situation is particularly concerning at the KRS reservoir, where storage stands at just 35% of its full capacity. Inflows remain weak, with KRS receiving only 775 cusecs on July 21, reflecting the subdued monsoon conditions.

What does this mean for water sharing with Tamil Nadu?

The rainfall deficit has made it difficult for Karnataka to comply with the Supreme Court-mandated Cauvery water release schedule to Tamil Nadu.

According to available figures, Karnataka released only 3.4 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) of water between June 1 and July 19, compared with the stipulated 28.3 tmcft measured at the Biligundlu gauge.

Karnataka Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the State has decided to reserve the available water only for drinking purposes, adding that no water will be released for irrigation due to drought-like conditions.

What happens next?

The CWMA is expected to assess reservoir storage, rainfall trends and water availability before deciding the way forward. The meeting follows a recent review by the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) and the CWMA's earlier directive asking basin States to use available water judiciously, particularly for drinking needs.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka Cabinet has decided to submit a memorandum to the Centre seeking a declaration of drought if the southwest monsoon does not improve.

For Kodagu, the coming weeks will be critical. As the river's primary catchment, the district's rainfall during the remainder of the monsoon will largely determine water security not only for Kodagu but also for millions of people across southern Karnataka who depend on the Cauvery.

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