Gadwal: As of June 1, 2025, at 6:00 PM, the Priyadarshini Jurala Project (PJP) Dam is experiencing a surge in water due to recent rains in the area. The water level in the reservoir is at 317.560 meters (1,041.864 feet), which is just below the Full Reservoir Level of 318.516 meters (1,045 feet).
The dam can hold up to 7.759 TMC of water, but currently, the usable water, known as live storage, is 4.052 TMC out of a potential 9.657 TMC.
Inflow and Outflow Details:
Water is entering the reservoir at 14,000 cusecs, likely due to rainfall upstream. The total amount of water leaving the reservoir is 834 cusecs, which is much less than the inflow.
There is no water being discharged through the spillway, indicating the water level hasn’t reached the point where this is necessary. Hydropower generation has not yet resumed, as no water is being used for this purpose.
Evaporation is causing a loss of 84 cusecs, which is typical as temperatures rise.
Water Releases for Irrigation:
The Nettampadu Lift Irrigation Scheme is currently receiving 750 cusecs of water. However, there are no water releases for the Bhima Lift-I, Koilsagar Lift, and Bhima Lift-II projects.
Canal Releases:
No water is being released into the Left Main Canal (LMC), Right Main Canal (RMC), RDS Link Canal, or Parallel Canal. Additionally, there are no other extractions from the reservoir.
Analysis:
The data shows that the dam is accumulating water, as most of the incoming water is not being used or lost. With an inflow of 14,000 cusecs and an outflow of only 834 cusecs, the dam is storing water in preparation for irrigation and drinking needs during the upcoming Kharif season.
Authorities are likely conserving water to ensure enough supply for downstream requirements, given uncertain monsoon patterns in recent years. The absence of power generation and canal releases suggests a strategic focus on water conservation, possibly due to maintenance or reservoir management plans.
As the water level nears full capacity, controlled releases or power generation might start if inflows continue to rise.
Farmers in the Nettampadu area are currently benefiting from the 750 cusecs of water being released, aiding early farming activities.
Outlook:
Dam management and irrigation officials will closely monitor the situation. If inflows continue and the reservoir reaches its full level, the spillway may be used. This marks the start of the monsoon water management cycle, which is vital for agriculture, drinking water, and energy generation in the region.
