The changes in priorities of the two new governments are glaring in the way the water in Srisailam Reservoir is being utilised.
Even before the advent of the first summer after bifurcation, priority seems to be given to power generation rather than irrigation needs. Governments in the united Andhra Pradesh gave priority to irrigation over power generation and reservoirs were hitherto used to store water needed for raising seed beds and transplantation immediately after the summer.
The delay in the filling of reservoirs in the lower reaches of the river because of the increase in the height of Alamatti Dam was also taken into consideration by the Irrigation officials. The change in priorities was, however, glaringly visible in the water level of the Srisailam Reservoir.
The level of water at Srisailam Reservoir is way below the Minimum Drawdown Level (MDDL) with huge quantities of water being utilised for power generation. MDDL is the level below which the reservoir will not be (or should not be) drawn.
Power generation continued unabated at the Srisailam Project even after 854 feet, the MDDL of the reservoir. Quantities of water varying between 400 and 7,000 cusecs were utilised for power generation at Power House 2 of the project. The usage was further increased from Monday with Power House 1 also being pressed into service.
While 21,994 cusecs was utilised by Power House 2 on Wednesday, 9375 cusecs was utilised by Power House 1 on the same day. The water level in Srisailam reservoir reached 826.4 ft on Wednesday. The total amount of water utilised for power generation on Wednesday was 31,500 cusecs. The water level in the reservoir on the corresponding date last year was 856.9 ft.
As the water level in Srisailam depletes, the chances of Rayalaseema getting water next season become more remote. While the Pottireddypadu head regulator, through which water goes to the region, is designed to draw water from Srisailam Reservoir at 842 feet, it can draw its full capacity only when the water level is more than 854 feet. Rabi was not officially announced in Krishna Delta this year and farmers in Krishna delta are now worried if water would be released in time to begin operations for the Kharif crop.
