HYDERABAD: In a fresh order issued by the Andhra Pradesh Government for proper management of the waters available in Srisailam dam, supply of drinking water to Chennai figures as top priority.

The second in the list of six priorities is the supply of drinking water to Hyderabad in line with the national policy to give first preference to drinking water in any irrigation project.

Other priorities are: (1) generation of hydel power coupled with supply of water to Krishna delta and the Nagarjunasagar ayacut and meeting the irrigation needs under (2) Srisailam Right Branch Canal, (3) the Telugu Ganga canal and (4) Srisailam Left Bank Canal.

Basic features

The order has three basic features--amending portions of an earlier order perceived as detrimental to the interests of Coastal Andhra and Telangana regions, increasing the discharge capacity of the Pothireddypadu head-regulator, the gateway to facilitate supply of Krishna water to Rayalaseema and to Chennai and; incorporation of a 1996 order.

The 1996 order (GOMs No 69) had stipulated that the storage in Srisailam must be maintained not below 854 ft as against the dam's full reservoir level of 885 ft, and specified the six priorities for utilising the storage available at this level.

Accordingly, the first priority is the release of 15 tmtcft to serve the drinking water needs of Chennai under an inter-state agreement signed by Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka. Chennai will get this quantity on assured basis through Telugu Ganga canal while 30 tmcft of water will be made available for irrigation only when surplus waters is available.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail