Gadwal: Farmers in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are hopeful for a good Kharif season as major reservoirs in the Krishna and Godavari river basins are experiencing high water levels. Officials confirm that water needs for irrigation and drinking are met, but warn that continued rain could pose a risk due to limited flood storage in some areas.
Krishna Basin Update
The Srisailam reservoir is nearly full with 205.23 TMC of water, up from 190.33 TMC last year. Nagarjuna Sagar stands strong at 294.55 TMC, providing sufficient water for the Krishna delta. Jurala and Almatti are receiving large inflows, benefiting irrigation in Mahabubnagar, Gadwal, and parts of Rayalaseema.
Godavari Basin Situation
In north Telangana, Sri Ram Sagar holds 61.53 TMC, ensuring water for Nizamabad and Karimnagar. Mid Manair and Lower Manair reservoirs are also in good condition. Nizam Sagar and Singur secure drinking water for Hyderabad, while Yellampalli and Kaddam support irrigation and industry in Adilabad and Mancherial.
At the Dowlaiswaram barrage in Rajamahendravaram, 11 lakh cusecs of surplus water have been released into the sea, while canals continue to supply the fertile Godavari delta.
Farmers Hopeful, Officials Cautious
In Telangana, crops like paddy, maize, and cotton are well-supported by water in north Telangana, and southern districts benefit from Jurala’s inflow. In Andhra Pradesh, the Krishna and Godavari deltas are set for a successful paddy harvest.
However, Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar are nearing full capacity, raising concerns about managing additional floods. Authorities are prepared for potential controlled water releases downstream.
Future Prospects
Reservoirs are full, and canals are flowing well, ensuring strong water security for 2025, which bodes well for farmers. Officials face the task of balancing flood control with irrigation needs in the coming weeks.
