2.82 Lakh Cusecs Released from Nagarjunasagar Project

Fast Summary

• Nagarjunasagar Irrigation Project: Located on Krishna River in the nalgonda district,heavy inflows from Srisailam are causing all 26 gates to discharge floodwaters downstream.
• Flood Data (July 31, 2025):

– Inflow: 2.02 lakh cusecs; Outflow: 2.82 lakh cusecs at 8 a.m.
– Reservoir water level: 585.20 feet (FRL is 590 feet).
– Current storage capacity: Recorded at 298 tmcft out of the full capacity of 312 tmcft.

• Additional Releases: Water also discharged into Nagarjunasagar right and left canals.
• Importance:

– Spillway discharge commenced earlier than usual this year on July 29 – eight days ahead compared to last year and following an interval of water release after nearly two decades.
– Minister N. Uttam Kumar reddy inaugurated the event with ceremonial ‘pooja’ before lifting the crest gates.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The early discharge of water from the Nagarjunasagar project highlights improved monsoon conditions and significant inflow contributions upstream from Srisailam reservoir this year, reversing a drought-linked precedent observed over nearly two decades prior to this event.While effectively preventing reservoir overload through controlled gate operations, these releases are critical for balancing regional irrigation requirements via canal systems and floodwater management downstream.

Given it’s timing eight days earlier than last year’s spillway opening, it demonstrates proactive measures by authorities managing large reservoirs that impact both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh’s agricultural zones profoundly dependent on Krishna River flows. However, careful monitoring is essential as high-volume releases can influence groundwater recharge locally but may pose challenges for villages in low-laying areas prone to flooding risks.

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