Cauvery Neeravari Nigama Ltd rules out threat to safety of Kabini reservoir

In a clarification issued in the wake of news telecast on certain television channels, Cauvery Neeravari Nigama Limited (CNNL) Managing Director said the Superintending Engineer, Varuna Circle, Mysuru, conducted an inspection of the site in Kabini reservoir on Saturday (June 21, 2025) evening and submitted a report that rules out any threat to the reservoir.

“Contrary to media claims, water is not gushing out. Only mild seepage has been observed. The alarming news shown on some online platforms is far from truth. There is no threat to the safety of the reservoir. The government has taken all necessary and appropriate steps to carry out the restoration work of the reservoir,” the CNNL statement said.

According to the report submitted by the CNNL Superintending Engineer, Varuna circle, the water level in the reservoir during the inspection on June 21 was 2,278 feet and the reservoir was holding about 15.80 TMC of water. “Water is seeping gently in the said area. The video being circulated is found to be several years old,” the statement said.

The CNNL statement also pointed out that the same section was inspected by the Dam Safety Review Team (DSRT) on May 20, 2022, and by the Dam Safety Review Panel (DSRP) on August 20, 2024. Based on the expert recommendations of both the teams, necessary repair works had already been planned and the issues highlighted in the media had already been addressed.

“It is suspected that some miscreants are trying to spread panic among the public. However, there is no cause for concern.”

The reservoir was receiving fresh inflow, and due to turbidity, the planned repair works will start during October-November, said the clarification issued by the Managing Director of CNNL.