Water was finally released from Nagarjunasagar for Krishna delta from Sunday night to save the standing khariff crops and this was being done through power generation.
This followed distressing reports received by the government about the deteriorating status of crops in the 13.5-lakh acre Krishna delta due to prolonged dry spell coupled with lack of any fresh wetting through releases from Prakasam Barrage at Vijayawada into the canals criss-crossing the area.
A senior official in Irrigation Department said by putting about 300 MW out of 815 MW of installed capacity available at Nagarjunasagar main powerhouse to use, a quantity of 7,500 cusecs of water was being released to Prakasam Barrage.
The released water is expected to reach the Barrage on Tuesday.
‘Continue releases’
The official said a decision had been taken by the government to continue the releases from Nagarjunasagar till November-end to help the delta if there were no further rains over the ayacut area.
According to an assessment made by the department, the delta will require about 35 to 40 tmcft of water till November-end.
Meanwhile, the water level in Nagarjunasagar reached 533 ft, which is 23 ft above the level stipulated by the High Court for being maintained in its reservoir.
The reservoir is getting inflows from Srisailam where power generation is taking place as and when required during peak-hour period.
