Increased Inflows in Upper Krishna Basin
The Krishna River, originating in the Western Ghats and flowing through Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, is experiencing significant inflows due to relentless rains in the upper catchment areas of Maharashtra and Karnataka. These heavy rains have caused a substantial increase in the water levels of several dams, leading to the release of excess water downstream.
Almatti Dam’s Overflow and Impact
The Almatti Dam in Karnataka, a crucial structure in the Krishna River basin, has seen a dramatic rise in water levels. The dam, with a full capacity of 123 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet), currently holds 102 TMC, prompting authorities to release water to prevent overflow. As a result, 14 out of 26 gates were opened, releasing over 65,000 cusecs (cubic feet per second) of water downstream to Narayanpur Dam.
Narayanpur Dam and Subsequent Releases
The Narayanpur Dam, situated downstream of Almatti, is also experiencing increased inflows. The dam, with a full capacity of 33 TMC, is near its maximum storage, holding 31 TMC. Authorities have released 62,955 cusecs of water from Narayanpur to manage the inflow and maintain safety.
Jurala Dam’s Response to Rising Waters
The Jurala Dam, further downstream in Telangana, is now receiving significant inflows due to the releases from Karnataka’s dams. The dam’s current water storage is at 7.9 TMC, against a full capacity of 9.6 TMC. The increased water flow has enabled the Jurala Hydel Power Project to utilize 7,500 cusecs for electricity generation, with potential for more as inflows continue.
Implications for Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar Projects
The Srisailam Dam, one of the largest reservoirs on the Krishna River, is set to benefit from these increased inflows. With water levels currently 24 feet below the minimum drawdown level of 834 feet, the upcoming surge is expected to bring much-needed relief to farmers in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. This boost in water levels will also aid the Nagarjuna Sagar Project, crucial for irrigation and drinking water supply in the region.
Farmers’ Relief and Agricultural Impact
Farmers in the Krishna River basin, who have faced crop holidays and water scarcity, are now hopeful with the inflow of water. The Almatti and Narayanpur dams’ releases have provided a lifeline, potentially averting a crisis in agricultural production. The abundant water supply is expected to rejuvenate the fields and support the cultivation of various crops.
Flood Management and Safety Measures
The ongoing heavy rains and resulting water releases have necessitated robust flood management strategies. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of communities and infrastructure downstream. The Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) plays a pivotal role in coordinating these efforts, particularly with the contentious water-sharing issues between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Conclusion
The current scenario in the Krishna River basin underscores the critical importance of effective water management and inter-state cooperation. As dams in Karnataka release water downstream, the benefits are felt across multiple states, supporting agriculture and mitigating drought conditions. However, the need for vigilant flood management remains paramount to safeguard lives and livelihoods in the affected regions.
In conclusion, the heavy rains in the upper Krishna basin have brought both challenges and opportunities. The coordinated efforts in managing water releases from dams like Almatti, Narayanpur, and Jurala are vital in ensuring that the benefits are maximized while minimizing risks. This natural cycle of abundance after scarcity highlights the resilience and adaptability required in managing one of India’s most significant river systems.
