Karnataka released 55,000 cusecs of floodwater from the Almatti and Narayanpur dams each to downstream Andhra Pradesh on Thursday, reviving hopes of the state’s farmers, especially those whose lands are irrigated by the project on the river Krishna. Authorities had released 27,945 cusecs from Narayanpur on Thursday morning and by evening lifted eight crest gates and increased the release to 55,000 cusecs.
This was followed by the lifting of five gates of the Almatti Dam to release 55,000 cusecs. Sources said the Karnataka authorities had to release surplus water as both dams had reached full reservoir levels. Water from the Narayanapur dam is expected to reach Jurala Dam by Friday night. Mahbubnagar irrigation officials, along with information minister D.K. Aruna, have decided to release waters to raise crops under the project from August 12.
Inflows for 10 more days will ensure AP water
Depending on the quantum of water, Jurala dam may even release waters to Srisailam which has not received any inflows this season. Inflows into the Tungabhadra dam at Hospet rose to 87,535 cusecs on Thursday, forcing the dam authorities to release water to canals under the project. There is still a gap of 44 tmc ft to fill the dam. If the present level of inflows continue for at least 10 more days, there is a chance that the Tungabhadra gates will be opened and water will reach AP.
In a related development, Prakasam Barrage authorities closed the floodgates and diverted inflows into Krishna delta canals. Due to heavy rains in Warangal and Khammam districts, the Prakasam Barrage received around 30,000 cusecs of water for three days and officials had to release surplus waters into the sea. With inflows coming down to 14,198 cusecs, barrage officials closed the gates and diverted the inflows into canals.