With the recent rain providing some cushion and Yeleru water pumping stretching for about a week more, GVMC is now waiting for an order from the Irrigation Department to divert water from the Raiwada reservoir.
Once the second stage pumping from Yeleru reservoir comes to an end, Raiwada water is seen as the backup step necessary to maintain supply to the city.
GVMC had initially planned to draw water from Raiwada and Tandava reservoirs totalling about 120 cusecs (by the time it reaches the Kanithi Balancing Reservoir) to make up for the non-availability of Yeleru water.
Diverting water from Tandava reservoir had met with opposition with Minister for Panchayat Raj Ch. Ayyanna Patrudu, in whose constituency it is located, openly airing his views.
He was of the view that the project committee was not consulted and also the tanks should be filled to meet drinking water and agricultural needs before releasing water to the city.
As a result the focus now shifts to release from Raiwada. GVMC plans to draw about 150 cusecs of water from the reservoir once it is not able to draw from Yeleru where second stage pumping can go on for another week.
GVMC now sees a maximum cushion of 10 days for drawing water from the reservoir. Sources in Irrigation Department say concurrence from the department higher-ups is required for release of water from the reservoir.
GVMC is seeking 0.39 tmcft of water from the Raiwada reservoir to make up for the loss from stopping pumping from Yeleru reservoir.
Once the second stage pumping from Yeleru reservoir comes to an end, Raiwada water is seen as the backup step necessary to maintain supply to the city
