Prakasam Barrage Gates Opened, 60,875 Cusecs of Surplus Water Released into Bay of Bengal

VIJAYAWADA: In view of the heavy rainfall triggered by Murasu Cyclone and the possibility of further downpours, Water Resources Department officials have opened all gates of the Prakasam Barrage across the River Krishna in Vijayawada and released the entire surplus inflow downstream towards the Bay of Bengal as a precautionary measure to prevent possible inundation in Vijayawada city.

According to officials, NTR district has witnessed extremely heavy rainfall, reportedly recording more than 1,943 mm of rainfall in the district. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting further rainfall over the coming days, the authorities have stepped up precautionary measures to regulate inflows into the barrage and ensure the safe discharge of surplus water downstream.

As part of the flood-management measures, officials have closed all canals, including the Krishna Eastern (KE), Krishna Western (KW) and Guntur (GNT) canals. The entire surplus inflow is being discharged through the barrage gates into the downstream course of the Krishna River towards the Bay of Bengal.

As per the Prakasam Barrage water-release bulletin issued at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, the barrage recorded an inflow of 60,875 cusecs, which was being discharged in its entirety as surplus water.

Irrigation officials said that the realised inflow at the Prakasam Barrage stood at 60,875 cusecs, while the barrage water level was maintained at 12 feet. The entire inflow was being released downstream, with 15 gates opened by two feet and the remaining 55 gates opened by one foot.

Officials began releasing surplus water from the barrage at around 9.30 p.m. on Tuesday and continued the discharge in view of the prevailing inflow situation.

Meanwhile, officials said the inflows into the barrage were mainly coming from local catchment areas in NTR district through the Keesara, Munneru and Budameru streams.

Officials are closely monitoring the inflows, barrage water levels and rainfall situation in the upstream catchment areas. The regulated release of surplus water is aimed at maintaining safe water levels at the barrage and minimising the risk of flooding in low-lying areas of Vijayawada.

With the IMD predicting more rainfall under the influence of Murasu Cyclone, the Water Resources Department and other concerned authorities are maintaining heightened vigilance and are prepared to take further measures depending on the inflow situation.

Residents, particularly those living in low-lying areas along the Krishna riverbanks in NTR and Krishna districts, including Vijayawada city, have been advised to remain alert and follow instructions issued by the authorities.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dasari Srinivasa Rao

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Dasari Srinivasa Rao is a Staff Reporter with The Hans India, covering NTR and Krishna districts, with a primary focus on Vijayawada. He has 32 years of experience in journalism. His reporting spans a wide range of beats, including city and rural development, politics, irrigation, education, crime, and human-interest stories.

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