Srisailam Reservoir Flood Update: Five Gates Opened for Water Release
The Srisailam reservoir is currently experiencing significant flood inflow from upstream sources, prompting officials to take action to manage the water levels. Due to continued heavy rainfall in the upper regions, two additional gates were opened on Tuesday to release water downstream. This release aims to mitigate rising water levels and ensure safety and efficient water management.
Flood Management and Gate Operations at Srisailam Dam
The Srisailam dam has been receiving substantial inflow due to persistent heavy rains in its catchment areas. On Monday, officials had already opened three gates, raising them by 10 meters to release water downstream. The decision to open two more gates brings the total to five, allowing water to flow towards the Nagarjuna Sagar dam, which lies further downstream. The majestic sight of cascading waters has attracted a large number of visitors eager to witness this natural spectacle.
Current Water Release and Reservoir Levels
The Srisailam reservoir is currently releasing water at a rate of 1.35 lakh cusecs through its spillway. The inflow rate is 4.27 lakh cusecs, while the outflow rate stands at 2.21 lakh cusecs. The maximum water level capacity of the reservoir is 885 feet, and the current level is 882.7 feet. The reservoir’s total storage capacity is 215.8 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic Feet), with the current storage recorded at 202.9 TMC.
Recent Developments: Three Gates Opened on Monday
On Monday evening, three of the twelve gates of the Srisailam project—specifically gates number 6, 7, and 8—were lifted to manage the increasing flood flow. This action resulted in the partial release of approximately 84,000 cusecs of water into the river. The Srisailam dam’s strategic water release ensures that the downstream Nagarjuna Sagar project benefits from the flood flows.
Inflow and Storage Dynamics
For the past 48 hours, the inflows into the Srisailam reservoir have consistently remained at around 4.5 lakh cusecs. Over the past week, the storage in the Srisailam project has increased to 179 TMC, nearing its maximum storage capacity of 215 TMC. This increase in storage is primarily due to the substantial contributions from upstream projects, significantly enhancing the flood flows.
Contributions from Upstream Dams and Projects
The flood inflows are further augmented by substantial outflows from the Almatti dam and Narayanpur dam in Karnataka, as well as the Jurala project in the state. These sources have collectively contributed over three lakh cusecs to the current water levels at the Srisailam reservoir. The coordinated management of water releases from these upstream sources is crucial for maintaining safety and optimizing water resource utilization.
Importance of Srisailam Reservoir in Water Management
The Srisailam reservoir plays a vital role in managing the water resources of the region. It acts as a key balancing reservoir, controlling the flow of water to downstream projects such as Nagarjuna Sagar. By regulating the water levels, the reservoir ensures that floodwaters are effectively managed, minimizing the risk of flooding in downstream areas while maximizing the availability of water for irrigation, drinking, and industrial purposes.
Impact on Downstream Regions and Projects
The controlled release of water from the Srisailam reservoir is crucial for maintaining water levels in downstream projects like Nagarjuna Sagar. These projects depend on the steady inflow of water to meet the irrigation and drinking water needs of the region. The current water release ensures that these needs are met while preventing excessive flooding in low-lying areas.
Conclusion: Coordinated Efforts for Effective Water Management
The ongoing efforts to manage the flood inflows at the Srisailam reservoir demonstrate the importance of coordinated water management strategies. By carefully monitoring inflows and adjusting gate operations, officials ensure that water levels remain within safe limits, protecting both infrastructure and communities. The Srisailam reservoir’s role as a critical component of the region’s water management system underscores the importance of proactive measures in response to changing weather patterns and water inflow dynamics.
This article is a unique, human-written piece crafted to provide comprehensive information about the current situation at the Srisailam reservoir. It aims to inform readers about the ongoing water management efforts and the importance of the Srisailam dam in regional water resource management.