Major reservoirs and barrages throughout Andhra Pradesh are currently filled to near maximum capacity, a result of steady and significant water inflows.
As of Wednesday, official data indicates that the Srisailam reservoir holds an impressive 202.04 tmc ft of water, representing 93.62% of its total storage potential. Inflows measured at 3.8 lakh cusecs, while outflows, managed through spillways, powerhouses, and canals, exceeded 4.2 lakh cusecs.
Similarly, the Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir has reached 302.91 tmc ft, holding 97.07% of its capacity. To effectively manage these rising levels, officials have initiated releases of 3.6 lakh cusecs.
The Pulichintala reservoir’s water level is being maintained at 78.26% of its capacity, and the Tungabhadra reservoir is at 75.46% of its full capacity, storing 80 tmc ft.
In Vijayawada, the Prakasam Barrage has recorded its full storage capacity of 3.214 tmc ft. With a balanced inflow and outflow of 4.4 lakh cusecs, authorities have issued the first flood warning. The barrage registered a surplus of 4,38,288 cusecs, with an actual inflow of 4,50,326 cusecs. Water is being released through the KE Main Canal (7,525 cusecs), KW Main Canal (4,513 cusecs), and other canals (12,038 cusecs), with no releases from the Guntur Channel.
Given that the water level in the barrage is at 12.9 feet, the first warning remains in effect due to the high inflows. Residents in downstream areas are strongly advised to exercise caution and adhere to all official safety directives.
In the Godavari region, the Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage at Dowleswaram is also near full, at 93.43% of its gross capacity, with inflows surpassing 3.5 lakh cusecs. The Somasila reservoir has reached 92.76% of its capacity, holding 72.34 tmc ft. Velugodu and Gotta barrages are also brimming, ensuring plentiful water for irrigation systems throughout the region.
Officials acknowledge that these consistent inflows have left minimal buffer in several reservoirs, necessitating controlled releases to protect downstream communities. These high storage levels are crucial for sustaining irrigation, generating power, and supplying drinking water. Authorities are maintaining vigilant oversight to mitigate any potential flood risks.
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has warned that inflows could potentially increase further, possibly reaching 4.50 lakh cusecs. To safeguard the public, five SDRF teams have been stationed at the ghats in Vijayawada, prepared to conduct emergency rescue and relief operations if necessary.
With the ongoing Dasara festivities, special instructions have been issued to regulate pilgrim movement at the river ghats. Police, irrigation, and municipal personnel are strategically positioned along vulnerable stretches, and barricades and warning signs have been erected to alert the public.
Prakhar Jain, the Managing Director of APSDMA, emphasized, “Strict precautions are being implemented, and all departments are on high alert. Public cooperation is absolutely essential during this period.”