Inflows into Srisailam dam from the Krishna and Tungabhadra, swelled to more than 2 lakh cusecs on Tuesday, pushing up the reservoir level to 851 ft while 7 lakh cusecs of water was being let out into the sea from Dowleswaram anicut across the Godavari.
At 851 ft level, Srisailam dam accounts for 80 tmcft storage of which 30 tmcft can be utilised for various purposes. The level is likely to touch 854 ft during the next two days before the inflows fall gradually, says C. Muralidhar, engineer-in-chief, Irrigation.
The lower stretch of the Godavari rose again following heavy contributions made by its tributaries Sabari, Indravathi, Pranahita, Taliperu and numerous streams following recent rain but almost the entire quantity of water was being released into the Bay of Bengal for want of storage facilities.
Sriramsagar project was getting about 70,000 cusecs.
Flood alert sounded
Our Khammam correspondent adds: A flood alert has been sounded in Bhadrachalam area as the Godavari crossed the first warning mark of 43 ft and reached 44.5 ft. In anticipation of heavy inflows, authorities alerted people living in the areas abutting the river. A control room has been opened.
