Andhra Pradesh Reservoirs Reach 78% Capacity

Rapid Summary

• Reservoir levels in Andhra Pradesh are at 78.23% of total gross capacity, with notable water inflows from persistent monsoon rains.
• StateS full reservoir level (FRL) capacity is 1,000.07 tmc ft; storage is currently at 782.40 tmc ft compared to last year’s same-day figure of 672.93 tmc ft.
• Krishna basin storage: 561.88 tmc ft (95.29%), leaving only a minimal flood cushion of 27.79 tmc ft.
• Godavari basin storage: 14.18 tmc ft (53.1%), Pennar basin: 132.87 tmc ft (58%), and other basins hold lower percentages.
• Srisailam project holds over 93% capacity and discharges significant outflows; Nagarjuna Sagar releases nearly all inflows with limited cushion left.
• Prakasam Barrage and Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage are operating at full capacities to manage flows into rivers and the sea efficiently amid heightened rainfall risks.
• Active flood control measures include coordinated regulation across major project sites and warnings for public safety near swollen rivers.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The current high reservoir occupancy across Andhra Pradesh underscores the state’s exposure to intense monsoonal conditions, reflecting both improved water retention compared to previous years and heightened vulnerability to flooding events if upstream rains intensify further.

While this abundant water stock supports irrigation, drinking supply, and industrial needs proactively, the scarcity of flood cushions in dominant systems like Krishna creates immediate challenges in managing surges effectively without risking overflow disasters downstream-notably affecting infrastructure such as barrages tied closely to residential regions.

The government’s emphasis on controlled release mechanisms alongside active monitoring indicates preparedness amidst climatic unpredictability but highlights underutilized opportunities for inter-basin transfers that could optimize resources while mitigating risks moving forward.

Read more: thehindu.com