The dam has the capacity to hold about 7.69 thousand million cubic feet (TMC).
The heavy rainfall across the state of Karnataka has led to rivers, ponds and reservoirs overflowing. Despite this, in the Bidar district of the state, the lack of rainfall has caused Karanja Reservoir to be less than half full. In comparison to the reservoir’s water levels the previous year, there is a significant difference. This has also caused a shortage of drinkable water for the residents of the area. This year, Bidar district has failed to receive sufficient rainfall in comparison to other regions in Karnataka. This has reduced the flow of water to the Karanja Reservoir, which is an important supply of water for residents. Now, people in the region are worried about the supply of drinking water in the near future and irrigating the fields as well.
The Karanja Reservoir covers about 27,000 hectares and has the capacity to hold about 7.69 thousand million cubic feet (TMC). Despite a good monsoon in the state for the last two months, the Bidar region has not received enough rainfall. The water inflow expected from the Kothur Barrage in Telangana has also not arrived.
Bidar, Humnabad, Chitguppa, and Bhalki regions too have not received adequate rainfall which was anticipated. Even the water from the rivers and streams did not reach the dam. This year, the reservoir has received an inflow of just 310 cusecs and only 3.99 TMC has been collected. Now, the reservoirs run the risk of drying up.
The Karanja Reservoir is currently drying up and needs the water level to go by 7 feet to reach full capacity. Last year, the inflow at the reservoir was 5,000 cusecs, and the outflow was 3,000 cusecs. This time, last year, the dam had collected 67 TMC of water. The locals fear that the two months of monsoon have already passed if the reservoir does not fill up, it can lead to a severe shortage of drinking water shortly.
