Early release of water from Tungabhadra dam sought

Bellary, Karnataka, Apr 10 (UNI) The Tungabhadra Jala Saadhana Samithi today urged the Karnataka Government to take steps for the early release of water from Tungabhadra reservoir.

Samithi President and former Parliamentarian Darur Pullaiah was of the view that early release of water could increase more water storage in the reservoir and help farmers begin early cultivation.

In a meeting convened to seek the views and opinions of people's representatives, peasant leaders and experts here, retired Chief Engineer and Samithi Technical Adviser Rudramuni Swamy said the reservoir's storage capacity had come down to 103 tmcft from 133 tmcft due to heavy deposit of silt. Some meticulous water management steps were necessary to improve the utility of water under the existing conditions. The reservoir started receiving water by June-end every year. Instead of waiting for the deadline date or till the water reached the maximum level, it would be better to release it soon after it reached a minimum level. It would help in early sowing by farmers and avoid excess water spilling over.

Mr Pullaiah said it would be beneficial to Andhra Pradesh ayacuts as the reservoir was an inter-State one with water share capacity of 139:73 tmcft in each season. Early release of water would increase the utilisation of water to the extent of ten tmcft. Efforts should be made to complete repairs of canals within two months from April 15 as delay in repairing canals and subsequent delay in releasing water to the canals would reduce the availability of water to the farmers in the command area, which could have its impact on yield.

It was suggested in the meeting that the water should be released to low level canal and left bank main canal immediately after the water reached the level of 1,580 ft. For right bank high level canal, water should be released at 1,595 ft level.

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