Flood Alert Issued for Prakasam Barrage amid Heavy Inflows
The Vijayawada irrigation circle has instructed allied departments and local administrations to alert residents in villages both upstream and downstream of the barrage.
Vijayawada: The Water Resources Department has issued a flood alert for the Prakasam Barrage here, as more than 3 lakh cusecs of floodwater might be discharged downstream on Wednesday, July 30.
There was heavy inflow from upstream projects, particularly the Pulichintala project, which is currently releasing around 65,000 cusecs of water into the Krishna river alongside power generation.
Officials expect the inflows would intensify, with floodwaters potentially reaching 3 lakh cusecs by Wednesday afternoon. The handlers of the Pulichintala project were in discussions with water resources minister Nimmala Ramanaidu to release surplus water by lifting the gates.
The authorities stated that the Pulichintala Project gates might be lifted on Wednesday.
In response, irrigation officials are preparing to lift all 70 crest gates of the Prakasam Barrage to safely release surplus water into the sea. The barrage inflows would be regulated accordingly, based on real-time discharge data and rising water levels.
The Vijayawada irrigation circle has instructed allied departments and local administrations to alert residents in villages both upstream and downstream of the barrage.
Residents are advised to stay vigilant and take precautionary measures to prevent any untoward incidents. The flood warning would be issued if water levels exceed the Prakasam barrage level of 12 feet and inflows reach 3.97 lakh cusecs. The second flood warning would be issued if water levels cross 15 feet with all shutters open and discharges exceed 5.69 lakh cusecs.
Officials said flood warnings would be issued based on prescribed levels, and necessary safety mechanisms are in place.
