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Water Crisis: Reservoir Hits 60-Year Low
3 Aug
Summary
- Tungabhadra Reservoir at lowest storage in six decades.
- Drinking water prioritized over irrigation needs.
- Crop holidays announced for Anantapur and Kurnool regions.
The Tungabhadra Reservoir is currently at its lowest storage level in six decades, despite full Krishna flows. Authorities have made the difficult decision to prioritize drinking water over irrigation needs. Crop holidays have been announced for areas serviced by the High Level Main Canal (HLMC) and Low Level Canal (LLC), which supply water to the Anantapur and Kurnool regions.
The AP government has confirmed that water will only be released for drinking purposes through these canals. The dam currently holds only 41 TMC feet of water, with inflows significantly lower than the 60-year average. This level is below dead storage, rendering it unusable for irrigation.
Officials are planning to release water soon to fill summer storage and mini reservoirs, ensuring drinking water for the Rayalaseema region. The Penna Ahobilam Balancing Reservoir is also critically low and will need Tungabhadra water. Concerns are rising about potential increases in rice prices if paddy cultivation is halted in Karnataka's Bellary district.
Authorities hope for full reservoir levels by the end of August if heavy rains occur. Water needs for Rayalaseema are met through the Srisailam Reservoir's backwaters.
