The crest gates of the Hemavathi Reservoir were opened on Saturday as the water level reached maximum due to heavy rain in the catchment area. Never in the history of the reservoir has the water level reached the maximum point, prompting the authorities to open the gates as early as this time.
In 2013, the reservoir was full on July 26. In the last 40 years the water level has reached FRL (full reservation level) 30 times. The last time the water level reached FRL was in August 2014.
The crest gates were opened around noon. PWD minister H.D. Revanna, MLA H.K. Kumaraswamy and officers of Hemavathi Dam Circle and district administration were present.