Massive inflows to Srisailam Reservoir; 10 gates lifted

HYDERABAD: The irrigation department officials on Saturday lifted 10 crest gates of Srisailam dam as a precautionary measure due to heavy inflows from upstream into the reservoir. According to sources, River Krishna is currently receiving significant inflows as a result of unabated rains that have flooded the upper catchment area.

The Srisailam project reported an inflow of 3,56,442 cusecs and an outflow of 4,40,991 cusecs, according to the official statistics. The project's water level has reached 884.80 feet as against its full level of 885 feet. The storage capacity was recorded at 214.3637 TMCs which is alarmingly close to the reservoir's optimum capacity of 215.807 TMCs.

The authorities are however taking all necessary precautions by discharging water downstream and monitoring the inflow and outflow situation round-the-clock. With water flowing down the dam, the power plants on the left and right banks of the Srisailam project continue to generate electricity.

Meanwhile, the Sunkesula project is also experiencing flooding which has resulted in the lifting of 27 gates and the release of water downstream. The project's inflow and outflow are 1,42,539 and 1,40,274 cusecs, respectively.