## Summary of The Hindu Article: Release of Water from Harangi for Drinking Purposes
The Karnataka government has ordered the release of 2 tmcft (thousand million cubic feet) of water from the Harangi reservoir in Kodagu district, primarily to address drinking water needs in the region and downstream areas. This decision comes amidst concerns over depleting water levels due to a delayed and deficient monsoon.
The released water will benefit several taluks including Hunsur, Periyapatna, and K.R. Nagar in Mysore and Mandya districts. These areas are facing a potential drinking water crisis as groundwater levels have significantly dropped. The release is intended to sustain water supply until the onset of the next monsoon.
Currently, the Harangi reservoir holds 78.33 ft of water against a maximum capacity of 2,859 ft. The live storage stands at 6.28 tmcft. While the reservoir received some inflows during the recent rains, they were insufficient to replenish the storage to comfortable levels.
The decision to release water was taken after a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, considering representations from local MLAs and officials highlighting the severe drinking water shortage. The government has prioritized drinking water supply over irrigation needs given the current situation.
Farmers have expressed concerns about the impact of this release on irrigation, particularly for standing crops. However, officials have stated that the released quantity is specifically earmarked for drinking water and will be carefully monitored to minimize disruption to agricultural activities.
The Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Limited (KNNL) is responsible for managing the release and ensuring equitable distribution of water to the affected areas. The situation will be continuously monitored, and further releases may be considered based on rainfall patterns and reservoir levels. The government is also exploring alternative water sources and implementing water conservation measures to mitigate the crisis.
