Irrigation projects overflow with Godavari, Krishna in spate

HYDERABAD: River Godavari is flowing at much higher level at Dhavaleswaram amid heavy rains. At present, the water level of the barrage has reached 14.70 feet and a second danger warning alert is in force. As Godavari's tributaries are overflowing due to heavy rains in upper reaches, ghats in Rajahmundry have been closed as a precautionary measure and people are advised to be vigilant.

Meanwhile, the Krishna is also overflowing and the flood from Pulichintala to Prakasam Barrage has increased rapidly with inflow and outflow of 3,40,000 cusecs. The officials are releasing 12,500 cusecs of water to the delta canals for drinking water purposes. However, there is a possibility of issuing a first danger warning at Prakasam Barrage if the inflow reaches 3,90,000 cusecs. The authorities are lifting the 70 gates by 8 feet at the barrage and are releasing the water into the sea.

Meanwhile, Srisailam reservoir is filled to the brim with 2,43,996 cusecs inflow from Jurala and 1,63,910 cusecs from Sunkesula totaling to 4,35,149 cusecs. By lifting 10 crest gates of the dam up to 15 feet, 3,77,170 cusecs, and another 61,877 cusecs through the power stations of the right and left banks, a total of 4,38,247 cusecs of water is being released to Nagarjuna Sagar. The Nagarjuna Sagar Reservoir is also heavily flooded by the Dindi and other small streams. As the water level in the Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir reaches its maximum level, 26 radial crest gates are lifted and 3,80,016 cusecs of water are being released downstream.