Andhra Pradesh’s major reservoirs are experiencing a substantial surge in water levels following widespread rainfall, ensuring ample storage for critical needs like irrigation, power generation, and drinking water across the state.
Key reservoirs are reporting healthy figures: The Srisailam reservoir stands at 840.55 feet with 201.87 TMC of water, recording inflows of 23,464 cusecs and outflows of 19,018 cusecs. Further downstream, the Nagarjuna Sagar project holds 200.38 TMC at a level of 302.81 feet against its maximum capacity of 473.14 TMC, matching Srisailam’s inflows and outflows. The Pulichintala project has also seen heavy inflows of 1,30,794 cusecs, maintaining a water level of 175.00 feet and storing 41.77 TMC.
As a result of these continuous releases from upstream projects, the Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada is now handling significant surplus discharges. By Wednesday morning (September 24, 2025), the total released inflow at the barrage reached 4,35,255 cusecs, leading authorities to officially issue the first flood warning.
A substantial 4,22,004 cusecs of this total inflow was released as surplus directly into the Krishna River. Meanwhile, canals branched off from the barrage received measured discharges: 8,242 cusecs flowed into the Krishna Eastern Main Canal and 5,009 cusecs into the Krishna Western Main Canal. The Guntur Channel, however, received no water, with the total canal draws amounting to 13,251 cusecs.
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Organization (APSDMA) is closely monitoring the situation, cautioning the public that inflows could potentially increase further, possibly reaching 4.50 lakh cusecs. In a proactive move to safeguard residents, five State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been strategically stationed at Vijayawada’s river ghats, ready to conduct emergency rescue and relief operations if the need arises.
With Dasara festivities currently underway, special guidelines have been issued to manage pilgrim movement at the river ghats. Police, irrigation, and municipal personnel are on duty along vulnerable sections, and barricades along with prominent warning boards are being put in place to ensure public awareness and safety.
Prakhar Jain, Managing Director of the Disaster Management Organization, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “Strict precautions are being taken, and all departments are on alert. Public cooperation is essential at this stage.”