Srisailam Storage Rises as Steady Inflows Revive Reservoir

KURNOOL: Steady flood inflows into the Srisailam reservoir have significantly improved its water storage, bringing relief to farmers and raising hopes of the early resumption of hydel power generation.

As of Saturday afternoon, 1,51,366 cusecs of water from the Jurala project was flowing into the reservoir, steadily replenishing storage after weeks of low water levels.

The full reservoir level (FRL) of Srisailam is 885 feet. With the latest inflows, the water level has risen to 838.20 feet. Against its gross storage capacity of 215.80 TMC, the reservoir now holds 59.16 TMC of water.

Officials said the reservoir contained only about 38 TMC of water on July 20, indicating a sharp increase in storage over the past 10 days.

They expect inflows from the Jurala project to continue for the next few days, further improving the reservoir's water position.

Power generation at the left and right bank hydel power stations has remained suspended due to low water levels. With fresh inflows continuing, authorities are expected to take a decision soon on resuming generation.

The improved storage has also raised hopes among farmers in the ayacut areas of adequate irrigation supplies in the coming weeks.

"The inflows are encouraging. If they continue, they will benefit both irrigation and power generation," an irrigation official said.