The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Kurnool News : Row over release of water from Srisailam

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Feb 18, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Kurnool

Row over release of water from Srisailam

By Our Staff Reporter

KURNOOL, FEB. 17. Controversy is brewing up over draining of the Srisailam reservoir beyond 854 ft level. The Government issued an order in September last modifying the earlier minimum drawdown level of 834 ft to 854 ft. However, it relaxed the GO allowing release of 20 tmcft for Nagarjuna Sagar to save standing rabi crops.

Leaders from Rayalaseema expressed dissatisfaction over the relaxation, as 854 ft would allow the Srisailam Right Main Canal (SRMC) to draw water even now.

According to official sources, around 30,000 cusecs were being utilised to generate power at Srisailam while releasing water for Nagarjuna Sagar.

The level, which was around 854 ft on February 15, fell to 848 ft on Thursday accounting for a storage of 115.79 tmcft. Around 26.7 million units power was generated.

Water level maintained

Meanwhile, the water level in the Srisailam reservoir was maintained at 854 ft level for a record time. Never in the history of Srisailam reservoir haad the level been maintained beyond January. This facilitated operation of the SRMC canal for a longer duration and allowed utilisation of 50 tmcft for Velugodu reservoir, SRBC, KC Canal and Somasila project.

The leaders who anticipated the level even through summer months were in for disappointment following the decision. They argued that their crop season might be delayed because of gap in the reservoir next season.

They urged the Government to utilise every drop of water being released to the Nagarjuna Sagar for generation of power at Srisailam.

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