It is always a pleasure to see the water flowing out of the reservoirs. Most of these huge reservoirs are hundreds of kilometers away
However, there are a number of mini-reservoirs in the city that can be reached from here in a couple of hours’ drive. Most of these reservoirs have not been filled in the recent past due to poor rainfall.
However, this year almost all the reservoirs in the city are filled to the brim and the excess water is dumped into the river.
As a result, these rivers (which are not perennial and have always been dry) have gained new life.
BM presents a list of reservoirs and rivers near the city that are currently seeing full reservoir levels.
Gayatri Reservoir
This reservoir is built over the river
Distance from MG road: 148 km
Kanva reservoir
Kanva reservoir
The FRL is 32 feet and this year the reservoir has reached rim level and 35 cusecs of water will be released into the river. The reservoir is located in a scenic spot with hills surrounding the reservoir and lush green farmland.
Distance from MG road: 65 km
Titha reservoir
Titha reservoir
This reservoir was built to bring water to dry areas that have had consecutive droughts. However, the reservoir has reached the edge height this year with heavy rainfall in the catchment area. The reservoir is also close to the pilgrimage town of Goravanahalli.
Distance from MG road: 89 km
Check Thoremoodalpalya Dam Kumudvathi River
Check Thoremoodalpalya Dam Kumudvathi River
Although this is not a reservoir, Kumudvathi is one of the lifelines of Bengaluru. The river that originates in Shivagange Hill and flows into Arkavathi at Thippagondanahalli has been dry for a long time and only now are we seeing the river come back to life thanks to excessive rains.
Distance from MG road: 70 km
Iggalur Reservoir
Iggalur Reservoir
This barrage will be built across the Shimsha River. With the excess water being discharged from the Markonahalli Reservoir, the Iggalur Dam is full and currently 89,000 cubic meters of water is being discharged into the river.
Distance from MG road: 110 km
Markonahalli Reservoir
Markonahalli Reservoir
This brick reservoir was built by Mysuru King Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV. Due to the plentiful inflow due to excessive rainfall in the catchment area, the water is channeled into the Shimsha River and it is a treat to see the water flowing out of the ridge gates.
Distance from MG road: 97 km
Manchanabele Reservoir
Manchanabele Reservoir
The total storage capacity of this reservoir is 1.22 TMC feet. This is one of the many reservoirs built over the Arkavathi River. The reservoir that was built to supply drinking water to neighboring areas now sees huge water outlets and it is a pleasure to watch.
Distance from MG road: 39 km
Mutyala Maduvu
Mutyala Maduvu
Although this does not fall under the category of reservoirs, it is a small waterfall in a patch of forest near Anekal. This is a fairly popular waterfall among the locals and only comes alive during the rainy season. This year, due to heavy rains in the catchment area, the falls have turned out to be an attraction.
Distance from MG road: 39 km
Harobele Reservoir
Harobele Reservoir
The reservoir has a water holding capacity of 1.57 TMC feet. This is the last reservoir built over the Arkavathi River before it joins the Cauvery River. When there is heavy rainfall in the catchment areas, the reservoir is now filled up and the excess water is channeled into the river, which finally flows into Cauvery at Sangama.
Distance from MG road: 82 km
Yargol Dam
Yargol Dam
This is a scenic dam built across the Markandeya River (a tributary of the Pennaiyar River). One has to turn off the Vepanapalli-KGF road to get to the dam. There are big plans to improve the area around the dam, which may take a few more years. However, this is said to be the first time the dam has reached the height of the rim since it was built. Built between two hills, this reservoir covers 375 hectares. The dam is 414 meters long and 30 meters high. This construction of this dam started in 2006.
Distance from MG road: 84 km
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A word of caution
Visitors must always exercise caution when visiting these places. Due to heavy rains, many streets are flooded and visitors should always check with the locals before visiting the site. Never go into the water as this can be fatal.
