Reservoirs in Telugu states nearing full capacity

Most of the major reservoirs on the Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers in the Telugu-speaking states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are brimming with copious inflows from heavy rain in Maharashtra and Karnataka.

For the first time this year, the water level at the Srisailam reservoir is poised to touch its full level of 875 feet. The flow into the project from Tungabhadra and Jurala indicates a surplus water year for the farmers in the 'ayacut' (command area).

Senior engineers monitoring the flood situation on Friday say that the present release of 1 tmcft into the Nagarjuna Sagar will continue for hydel power generation and to ease the flood situation.

As a result, Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir will fill up within a week. As on Thursday night, the water levels at various projects are as follows:

1) Jurala: 1044.78 feet against 1045 feet (full capacity)
2) Srisailam: 874 feet against 885 feet
3) Kadem: 698.30 feet against 700 feet
4) Yellampalli: 484.25 against 485.56
5) Sriramsagar: 1063.60 feet against 1091 feet
6) Nagarjuna Sagar: 525 feet against 590 feet.

Rain pounds Adilabad

Adilabad district in north Telangana region was almost cut from the mainland with all the rivers, canals and streams in spate flooding low-lying areas. Traffic on the national highway near Ichoda came to a halt with the local Talamadugu rivulet flooding the highway.

Sirigonda, Neredigonda, Ichoda and Bazar Hatnoor blocks in the erstwhile Adilabad district are affected. Flood water has been released downstream in Komoram Bheem, Kadem and Gaddenavagu projects to ease the flood situation. Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao, who has been monitoring the situation, directed the officials to remain alert.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has instructed officials to be alert and vigilant in view of the heavy rain and also in view of the possibility of further heavy rain across the state in the next few days.