Andhra Pradesh: Srisailam Reservoir Levels Falling With No New Inflows

The reservoir's storage has fallen to around 139 TMC on Saturday, with the water level declining to 869.50 feet against the full reservoir level (FRL) of 885 feet. The reservoir had received around 213 TMC of water so far this season, of which nearly 112 TMC has already been utilised.

The low water level is of particular concern for farmers in Rayalaseema. Andhra Pradesh government has not released any water from Srisailam for irrigation so far. Water has, however, been released through the Pothireddypadu Head Regulator, Handri-Neeva Sujala Sravanti (HNSS) and other outlets; largely for drinking water requirements.

On Saturday, Telangana drew around 20,625 cusecs of water from Srisailam for generating about 10.20 million units of electricity. Andhra Pradesh drew 2,858 cusecs for Handri-Neeva, 325 cusecs for Malyala and 8,000 cusecs through Pothireddypadu, mainly to meet drinking water requirements. The total outflow from the Srisailam reservoir on the day has been 37,521 cusecs.

With poor rainfall in August, there have been no new inflows, resulting in the Srisailam reservoir levels falling every day. Officials are concerned about the reservoir reaching critically low levels, much earlier than in the past.

At the recent Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) meeting, officials have underlined that available water should be conserved primarily for drinking water. They feel the prevailing situation is not conducive to extensive irrigation releases or continued power generation.

Kurnool Irrigation department chief engineer S. Kabeer said Andhra Pradesh had placed its position before the KRMB. “We have sought 66 per cent of the share of water due to Andhra Pradesh under the 66:34 ratio. However, no decision has been taken on this at the board meeting on Friday, September 4,” Kabeer said.

The chief engineer maintained that Srisailam water must be used cautiously in view of its limited availability. “Our concern is to ensure that the available resources are not exhausted prematurely,” he pointed out.

Several villages are reporting a deteriorating water situation. Tanks and other local water bodies have largely dried up, increasing dependence on groundwater and reservoir supplies.

The situation has affected agriculture. In Kurnool and Nandyal districts, cotton has been sown over thousands of acres following limited rainfall during the first week of July. These crops have reportedly withered due to the prolonged dry spell.

With irrigation requirements on one side and drinking water needs on the other, uncertainty over utilisation of Srisailam water is expected to continue, unless there are substantial rains in the coming weeks.

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Srisailam Reservoir: Water inflows and state-wise utilisation

Particulars – State – Water used (TMC)

Water Srisailam Reservoir has received – 213.22

Right Power House – AP – 11.13

Left Power House – TS – 62.54

Pothireddypadu release – AP – 20.89

HNSS – AP – 7.38

Pula Subbaiah Veligonda Project – AP – 1.27

MG Kalwakurthy LIS – TS – 8.01

Evaporation losses – 1.63

Total water utilised by AP and TS – 112.85