Anantpur: water level rises in Srisailam dam

Anantapur: The water level in Srisailam is rising rapidly following heavy inflows. The water level crossed the 880-foot mark on Sunday night with 1.96 lakh cusecs flowing in from Jurala and other canals.

Authorities said the water would touch its full level of 885 ft by September 30 if the inflows continue. The dam had 185.13 tmc ft at around 5 pm on Sunday. Rains in Karnataka and Maharashtra resulted in heavy constant inflows towards Jurala and Srisailam.

Power generation also continued on 10 generators, seven from right and three from left canals, APGenco authorities said.

Referring to heavy inflows, the dam authorities said all the 12 crest gates would be opened if the water level touches near 885 ft and water would be released towards Nagarjunasagar.

Water levels were very low last year following rain deficit. Heavy flows filled Srisailam reservoir during the present season. But the situation was worse in Tungabhadra reservoir that only 41.75 TMC ft of water was received till date as against 73.13 TMC ft last year.

However, water is pumped towards Pothi-reddypadu and Handri Neeva Sujala Sravanti main canals. HNSS authorities released water towards Gollapalli reservoir as part of phase-II of the project.

Meanwhile, rumours over possible breach to Velugodu reservoir caused panic.
Teluguganga superintendent engineer Chandrasekhar who inspected the reservoir made it clear there would be no such possibilities.

“We store 15.5 TMC ft of water in the reservoir. Measures would be taken for strengthening of the connecting parts of bund,” he assured.