SRSP Stops Irrigation Supplies Due to Drinking Water Demand in North Telangana
The current water level in the reservoir stands at 1,062.00 feet, against the full reservoir level of 1,091.00 feet, with a live storage of 12.556 tmc out of a gross capacity of 80.5 tmc.
Nizamabad: Officials of the Sriramsagar Project (SRSP) have temporarily halted water supply meant for agricultural purposes, including for the ongoing Yasangi season in view of growing demand for drinking water across North Telangana. Water is now being released exclusively for drinking needs, in coordination with Mission Bhagiratha and municipal authorities.
According to SRSP superintending engineer T. Srinivas Rao Gupta, water from the project is currently being directed to meet the requirements of municipalities and villages in Adilabad, Nirmal, Jagtial, Armoor, Nizamabad, Kamareddy, and Korutla. As of Wednesday, 231 cusecs of water were released under the Mission Bhagiratha scheme.
The current water level in the reservoir stands at 1,062.00 feet, against the full reservoir level of 1,091.00 feet, with a live storage of 12.556 tmc out of a gross capacity of 80.5 tmc. Inflows were recorded at 1,157 cusecs, while outflows stood at 5,600 cusecs. Water is being released at 3,500 cusecs for the Kakatiya main canal, 700 cusecs for the Saraswathi canal, and 250 cusecs for the Laxmi canal.
Gupta assured that available water would suffice to meet drinking water needs till July 30, 2025. “There is no cause for concern. This year, we are maintaining a water level of 1,060.00 feet, compared to 1,057.00 feet last year, which was still sufficient to meet drinking needs,” he said.
Following directions from senior irrigation officials, water will continue to be released to the Kakatiya and Saraswathi canals until April 12, after which supply will cease. Water supply to other canals and lift irrigation schemes was stopped on Wednesday.
SRSP authorities urged farmers to use water judiciously for Yasangi crops and cooperate with the temporary halt in irrigation supply, emphasising the need to prioritise drinking water. They also advised residents near the Kakatiya main canal to remain cautious due to heavy water flow and take necessary safety precautions to prevent accidents.