Kaveri water reaches Bilikundulu.
Dharmapuri/Hogenakkal. Water released from dams in Karnataka reached Bilikundulu, located on the Tamil Nadu border, on Tuesday morning after a three-day journey. Consequently, the water level of the Cauvery River at Hogenakkal Falls has begun to rise, and the flow of water in the cascades has intensified. Drought-like conditions had developed due to a continuous decline in the Cauvery’s flow over the past several days, but signs of improvement are now emerging with the activation of the Southwest Monsoon.
According to reports, the Southwest Monsoon, which typically begins in June, arrived in Kerala earlier than usual this year; however, its onset in Karnataka was relatively delayed. This directly impacted the flow of the Cauvery River. As Karnataka’s reservoirs did not receive sufficient water, surplus water could not be released into the river. As a result, the river’s flow steadily diminished, and in many places, the river was reduced to a mere trickle.
Conditions had been concerning at Hogenakkal—a renowned South Indian tourist destination often referred to as the “Niagara of India”—over the past few days. The Cauvery’s water level had dropped so drastically that several cascades, including Aindharuvi Falls, had completely dried up. Even the main waterfall and the Sini Falls saw only a minimal flow of water. The reduced flow led to a drop in tourist numbers, affecting the livelihoods of local boatmen and those associated with the tourism sector.
Meanwhile, the Southwest Monsoon has reactivated in the catchment areas of Kerala and Karnataka over the last few days. Continuous rainfall led to increased water inflow into rivers and tributaries. Subsequently, as water levels in Karnataka’s dams rose, controlled amounts of water were released. This water reached Bilikundulu on the Tamil Nadu border after three days, where the Water Resources Department is continuously monitoring the river’s flow. Following the arrival of water at Bilikundulu, the flow at Hogenakkal Falls has also begun to increase gradually. The water is cascading with greater velocity than before, seemingly restoring the natural beauty of the entire region. Locals believe that if monsoon rains continue at this pace and water is released from Karnataka’s dams as required, the water level of the Cauvery River could rise further.
Experts believe that the flow of the Cauvery River depends primarily on rainfall in the catchment areas of Karnataka and Kerala. When these regions receive adequate rainfall, water storage in the dams increases, and surplus water is released into the river. This benefits irrigation, drinking water supplies, and tourism activities across various districts of Tamil Nadu. Conversely, when rainfall is scarce, the impact is first observed in areas like Hogenakkal.
With the rising water flow, the administration has also become alert. Officials have urged residents living along the riverbanks and tourists to exercise caution. If the rainfall intensifies and the volume of water released from the dams increases, there could be a sudden surge in the flow. Consequently, people have been advised to avoid entering the river or venturing into dangerous areas.
Those involved in the tourism industry have welcomed the increased water flow. They note that while tourist numbers had declined recently due to the water shortage, the rising water levels at the falls have renewed hopes for an influx of visitors. This is also expected to bring relief to local hotels, restaurants, boat operators, and small business owners.
For now, the increased flow in the Cauvery River has created an atmosphere of relief. According to the Meteorological Department, there is a likelihood of good rainfall in several catchment areas of Kerala and Karnataka in the coming days. If this forecast holds true, the flow in the Cauvery River will strengthen further, and Hogenakkal Falls will once again be seen in its full natural splendor.
