Karnataka Dam Water Level Today (23rd June 2026)

Dams in Karnataka — Overview

Karnataka maintains one of the most extensive dam networks in peninsular India, spread across river basins including the Cauvery, Krishna, Sharavathi, Kali, and Tunga. These reservoirs collectively serve as the backbone of the state's agriculture, drinking water infrastructure, and renewable energy production.

Notable dams like the Almatti Dam on the Krishna River and the Linganamakki Dam on the Sharavathi River stand as symbols of Karnataka's commitment to sustainable development. The state's dams also contribute significantly to flood control and ecological conservation efforts, playing a pivotal role in maintaining environmental equilibrium.

Major Dams in Karnataka

1. Almatti Dam

Location: Bagalkot District | River: Krishna

Primarily built for irrigation, the Almatti Dam also supports hydropower generation and flood control, contributing significantly to regional agriculture and water security. As of 18th June 2026, Almatti has hit its maximum storage capacity of 18,349 MCft — a positive sign heading into the core monsoon months of July and August. 

2. Narayanapura Dam (Basava Sagar)

Location: Yadgir District | River: Krishna

Basava Sagar Dam, formerly known as Narayanapura Dam, is constructed across the Krishna River in Yadgir District, Karnataka. It serves as a downstream balancing reservoir for flows released from Almatti, and is critical for irrigation management in northern Karnataka.

3. Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Dam

Location: Mandya District | River: Cauvery

The Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) reservoir is one of the state's most significant reservoirs and a symbol of engineering marvel. Its capacity to hold water is a staggering 49.48 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) and it has been a lifeline for the region.
KRS remained at its full capacity of 124.80 ft for an unprecedented 172 days, from July 21, 2024, to January 12, 2025 — the longest such period on record.

4. Kabini Dam

Location: Mysuru District | River: Kabini (Cauvery tributary)

Nestled in the beautiful wilderness of Wayanad, Kerala, and Mysore, Karnataka, the Kabini Dam is known for its robust structure.

With a capacity of 19.52 TMC, it stands as a prime example of sustainable water management, ensuring both the ecosystem and human needs are met. 

5. Harangi Dam

Location: Kodagu District | River: Harangi

Situated on the Harangi River in Kodagu district, the Harangi Dam boasts a capacity of 8.5 TMC. Its strength has been vital in managing the water needs of the region, from agriculture to drinking water supply. 

6. Hemavathy Dam (Gorur Dam)

Location: Hassan District | River: Hemavathy

The Hemavathi reservoir is the lifeline of Hassan, Tumakuru, and parts of Mandya district. With a total storage capacity of 37,103 MCft, it is one of the largest reservoirs in the Cauvery basin and plays a pivotal role in irrigating the fertile Malenadu region.

7. Linganamakki Dam

Location: Shimoga District | River: Sharavathi

Nestled amidst scenic landscapes, the Linganamakki Dam harnesses the Sharavathi River for hydroelectricity generation. Its reservoir powers nearby communities while catering to water supply needs, blending functionality with natural beauty.

8. Supa Dam

Location: Uttara Kannada District | River: Kali

Perched in the Western Ghats, the Supa Dam harnesses the waters of the Kali River for hydropower generation. Its strategic location not only provides electricity but also caters to irrigation and domestic water needs in the surrounding areas.

9. Tunga Anicut Dam

Location: Shimoga District | River: Tunga

As an integral part of the Tunga Project, the Tunga Anicut Dam plays a vital role in facilitating irrigation across fertile plains. By regulating the Tunga River flow, it ensures consistent water supply for agriculture, enhancing regional productivity and livelihoods.

Why Karnataka Dam Water Levels Matter

Irrigation: Karnataka is one of India's leading agricultural states. Reliable reservoir storage enables year-round cultivation of sugarcane, paddy, ragi, and vegetables in districts like Mandya, Mysuru, Hassan, and Belagavi.

Hydropower Generation: Dams on the Sharavathi, Kali, and Cauvery rivers contribute significantly to Karnataka's electricity grid.

Adequate water levels ensure uninterrupted power supply, particularly during peak summer demand.

Drinking Water Supply: Cities like Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, and Hassan depend on dam storage for their municipal water supply. KRS reservoir alone supplies a significant share of Bengaluru's daily water demand.

Flood Control: During heavy monsoon periods, controlled releases from dams protect downstream communities. Real-time inflow and outflow monitoring determines when gates are opened and evacuation alerts are issued.

Tourism: Reservoirs like KRS (with its Brindavan Gardens), Kabini, and Hemavathy attract thousands of visitors annually, contributing to local economies.

2024–25 Monsoon: A Record Year for Karnataka Reservoirs 

The 2024–25 season saw exceptional water storage across Karnataka. The state received 15% excess southwest monsoon (June–September 2024) and 30% excess northeast monsoon (October–December 2024), significantly boosting levels across the Cauvery basin.

Historically, KRS has seen varying durations of full capacity — 114 days in 2022, 105 days in 2019, and 98 days in 2014. However, the absence of a downstream balancing reservoir means excess water flows into Tamil Nadu. By December 2024, 282.241 TMC ft of Cauvery water had reached Biligundlu, the interstate measuring point. 

Inter-State Water Disputes Involving Karnataka

Cauvery River Dispute — Karnataka & Tamil Nadu

The Cauvery River water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu is one of the most contentious and longstanding inter-state water conflicts in India. It revolves around the sharing of Cauvery River waters, crucial for irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower generation for both states. Despite various attempts at mediation and negotiation and multiple Supreme Court interventions, the issue remains unresolved, leading to occasional tensions, protests, and legal battles.

Mahadayi River Dispute — Karnataka, Goa & Maharashtra

The Mahadayi River water dispute involves Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra over the sharing of the Mahadayi (also known as Mandovi) River. The conflict stems from Karnataka's plans to divert water from the Mahadayi basin to address the water needs of its northern districts, which Goa opposes due to concerns about impacts on its own water resources and ecological balance.

Krishna River Dispute — Karnataka, Maharashtra & Andhra Pradesh

The Krishna River water dispute involves multiple states, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Disputes arise over the sharing of Krishna River waters for irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydropower generation. Conflicting interests and varying water needs among the riparian states have led to disagreements and legal battles over water allocations.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Climate change is reshaping Karnataka's water security landscape. Erratic monsoon patterns — with delayed onset, intense short-duration rainfall, and extended dry spells — put pressure on dam management systems. Key challenges include:

Siltation: Progressive silt accumulation reduces effective storage capacity of older reservoirs.
Over-extraction: Increasing groundwater withdrawal in command areas reduces recharge flows into reservoirs.
Demand growth: Bengaluru's expanding population intensifies pressure on Cauvery basin storage.
Flood-drought cycles: The same reservoir must manage peak flood inflows and prolonged dry-season drawdowns.

Karnataka's Water Resources Department, in coordination with KSNDMC (Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre), publishes real-time dam data to enable proactive water governance.