Water levels in AP reservoirs dip DASARI SRINIVASA RAO

Water levels in reservoirs across the State have plummeted, reaching critical lows, raising concern over farming activity during the upcoming Kharif season. The Pulichintala Project, a vital component of the region’s water infrastructure, is alarmingly below capacity, storing only 0.43 TMCs of water, which is substantially lower than its Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of 44.77 TMCs.
Presently, the Srisailam reservoir stands at a mere 14% of its total storage capacity, while the Nagarjuna Sagar project fares slightly better at 39%. The decline in reservoir levels poses significant challenges for water management, particularly as the Kharif season approaches. The Srisailam, Nagarjuna Sagar, and Pulichintala projects, crucial lifelines fed by the River Krishna, have all reached dead storage levels.
With a total storage capacity of 589.67 TMCs across various major and medium reservoirs on the river Krishna, the current storage stands at a meagre 160.17 TMCs (27.16%), representing a substantial decrease from last year’s levels. This year’s storage deficit of 66.50 TMCs compared to the previous year exacerbates concerns.
The absence of proactive water storage management has exacerbated the situation, with reservoirs prematurely reaching dead storage levels. Consequently, the release of water for agricultural purposes during the Kharif season may face delays. Making matters worse, the Water Resources Department’s focus on recent elections has further complicated water release scheduling.
Of particular concern is the Pulichintala Project, which, at a mere 0.43 TMCs of water, languishes far below its designed capacity. Last year’s storage of 34.76 TMCs serves as a stark contrast to the current predicament. With only 0.43 TMCs stored, there is no immediate prospect of downstream water release.
The ramifications extend to the agricultural sector, with an estimated 13.08 acres of ayacut in the Krishna Delta impacted by delayed water releases. Officials from the Water Resources Department express hope for an early start to the Kharif season if the southwest monsoon arrives promptly.
Similarly, the Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar projects teeter on the brink of depletion, with both experiencing significant drops in water storage compared to previous years. The implications for irrigation and drinking water supply to millions of acres and inhabitants in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana loom large.
In addition to these key projects, reservoirs like Almatti, Narayanpur, and Tunga Bhadra face similar water storage challenges. Unless early rains arrive, experts foresee substantial hurdles in initiating agricultural activities in the Krishna River catchment area.
Reflecting on the broader context, KVV Prasad, general secretary of the Andhra Pradesh Rythu Sangham, criticised past administrations for inadequate reservoir construction and water management. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive plan to conserve surplus water, emphasising the wastage of water into the sea during rainy seasons as a pressing concern.