Krishnagiri, Jun 18 (TOI): Cauvery water released from Karnataka reservoirs has reached the interstate border at Biligundulu, flooding Hogenakkal falls on Sunday. To the disappointment of scores of tourists, Krishnagiri district administration subsequently banned the coracle ride at Hogenakkal. Tourists were also prevented from stepping into the river at Hogenakkal for bathing due to increased flow.

District administration officials said the inflow into Cauvery at Biligundulu had suddenly rose to 30,000cusecs (cubic feet per second) by 10am on Sunday from 18,000cusecs around 8.30am.

The reservoirs in Karnataka were receiving copious inflow due to excess rainfall in the catchment areas in Coorg in Karnataka and Wayanad in Kerala. According to sources, Krishnaraja Sagar and Kabini were fast reaching their full reservoir levels, thanks to the copious rainfall. Subsequently, 35,000cusecs water was released from Kabini and 579cusecs from Krishnaraja Sagar. The water reached Biligundulu on Sunday.

Officials said the temporary ban on coracle ride at Hogenakkal would stay until water flow stabilises.

Meanwhile, inflow into Mettur reservoir in Salem reached 19,000cusecs from 15,000cusecs on Sunday, taking the water level to 41ft.