Power Generation Resumes at Srisailam as Inflows Stabilise

Kurnool:Hydel power generation has resumed at the Srisailam reservoir, with the power houses of both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana utilising the available water as inflows remain strong despite a marginal decline.

Officials said 62,493 cusecs was being utilised for power generation, with 27,178 cusecs passing through the right bank power house and 35,315 cusecs through the left bank power station. Based on the current discharge, the project is estimated to generate around 1,300 MW of electricity.

All spillway gates of the reservoir are currently closed, indicating that the available water is being regulated for hydel generation and other essential requirements.

The resumption of generation comes as the reservoir continues to receive substantial inflows from the Jurala project. Inflows, however, declined from around 2.40 lakh cusecs on August 6 to 2,11,632 cusecs by Saturday afternoon.

Despite the decline, the reservoir’s storage stood at 169.47 tmc ft, against its full reservoir capacity of 215.807 tmc ft. Total outflow was around 47,278 cusecs, including about 37,000 cusecs for power generation and nearly 10,000 cusecs released into canals for essential requirements.

Officials said water releases were being regulated carefully, with priority given to drinking water needs. A decision on releasing water for irrigation would be taken after monitoring inflows over the coming week.

On August 8 last year, the reservoir had stored 183.42 tmc ft, higher than the present level. However, inflows then were only around 71,000 cusecs, while outflows exceeded one lakh cusecs, indicating a different water management situation.

Officials said continued inflows over the next week, even at a slightly lower rate, could push the reservoir closer to its full capacity and provide a better cushion for drinking water and irrigation requirements.