Nagarjunasagar's water level at historic low, more water in Karnataka hydel dams

Nagarjunasagar is the lifeline for Hyderabad and Secundrabad twin cities

Dwindling water levels in Nagarjunasagar, the lifeline for Hyderabad has kept officials on their toes. For the first time since 2001 when the Krishna Water Supply scheme was introduced, water level at Nagarjunasagar has dipped below 500 ft. Water is being pumped into Akkampally reservoir to provide 270 million gallons per day for Hyderabad.

Officials and people of Hyderabad are now awaiting inflow from Srisailam reservoir into the Nagarjunasagar to better the water level that has reached an alarming low. 270 million gallons per day from the reservoir needs to be provided to Hyderabad and Secundrabad while 90 MGD is diverted to Udaya Samudram for Nalgonda district.

Meanwhile, torrential rainfall in various parts of Karnataka has led to rising water levels in reservoirs in the Cauvery basin as well as hydel reservoirs. The state has three major hydel reservoirs Linganamakki Sharavathi hydel power project, Supa for Kalinadi hydro electric project, Mani for Varahi hydro electric project. All three reservoirs have recorded a rise of water level by one foot.

Rains in Cauvery basin has led to reservoirs filling up. The live storage in KRS dam, the main water source for Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, has increased to 9.852 tmcft while the current water level is 93.52 ft as against the full capacity of 124.8 ft. Water level at Harangi, Kabini and Hemavathi too have risen.

Water is being released to Tamil Nadu from Karnataka reservoirs. 1.8 tmcft water has been released to Tamil Nadu after torrential rains in Karnataka. The good outflow has come as a relief to farmers in both states who are dependent on rain-fed areas for cultivation.

OneIndia News