The crest gates of Hemavati reservoir at Gorur near here are expected to be opened to release water on Saturday as the water level is nearing full reservoir level as a result of incessant rains in the catchment area.
As on Friday morning, the water level was at 2,917.41 ft., 5 ft lower than the FRL of 2,922 ft. The gross storage in the reservoir as on Friday was 32.79 TMC against the full capacity of 37.103 TMC. The live storage is 28.41. The inflow in the last 24 hours was at the rate of 26,477 cusecs. Last year on this day the level stood at 2,873.6 ft with live storage of 2.96 TMC.
Officers of Hemavati Dam Circle had issued a warning to people downstream to shift to safer places two days ago as crest gates could be opened at any time. The 150-year-old Holy Rosary Church in the backwaters at Shettihalli is almost submerged in water.