Kurnool Braces For Flood Release As Srisailam Reservoir Nears Full Capacity
Kurnool district has been placed on high alert as the Srisailam reservoir receives one of the highest inflows of the monsoon season, crossing 1.76 lakh cusecs. With the dam’s water level rapidly approaching full capacity, officials are preparing to open crest gates to release excess floodwater downstream toward Nagarjuna Sagar. The rising flood discharge from upstream projects in Telangana and Karnataka is adding pressure on riverbanks, triggering emergency measures across low-lying areas along the Krishna and Tungabhadra river systems.
The Srisailam reservoir, located in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district, is rapidly filling up following intensified monsoon-fed inflows from upstream dams. On Sunday evening, dam authorities confirmed receiving a combined inflow of 1,76,434 cusecs, mainly from the Jurala project in Telangana and the Sunkesula Barrage via the Tungabhadra River. Data from the irrigation department indicated that the gross storage in the dam stood at 184.2774 TMC ft, nearing its full capacity of 215.8070 TMC ft. The current water level has reached 879.30 ft, only 5.7 ft short of the reservoir’s maximum storage level. The Jurala project alone released nearly 79,920 cusecs into Srisailam by lifting 12 spillway gates, while additional volumes are flowing in from the Almatti and Tungabhadra dams upstream. With inflows showing no sign of easing, dam engineers are closely monitoring the situation to schedule a safe and phased release into Nagarjuna Sagar to manage downstream pressure.
Authorities have issued a high alert across vulnerable stretches in Kurnool district, particularly in low-lying settlements near the Krishna River. The cumulative inflow from the Krishna and Tungabhadra basins is transforming the Srisailam reservoir into a near-brimming storage system. The Tungabhadra dam has released 72,000 cusecs, while the Sunkesula Barrage discharged 61,031 cusecs downstream, raising concerns about flash flooding. Experts from the irrigation department stressed the need for timely flood regulation, as continued rains in Karnataka and Telangana could further increase the burden on downstream canals and villages. Spillway operations are expected to begin within two days if the inflow continues at the current pace. Civic authorities are already mobilising early response teams, urging residents near riverbanks to stay vigilant. This proactive approach aims to prevent inundation and minimise water-related hazards during the critical phase of the monsoon inflow cycle in the southern river basin.
With inflows into the Srisailam reservoir climbing steadily, Kurnool district finds itself in a sensitive flood-preparedness zone. Officials are taking precautionary measures to ensure that the release of water into Nagarjuna Sagar is handled efficiently, avoiding any downstream distress. The current scenario underscores the importance of inter-state coordination and real-time reservoir management during peak monsoon periods. As water levels near maximum capacity, residents in vulnerable areas are being advised to remain alert, while emergency protocols are being activated. This year’s monsoon has reinforced the criticality of resilient infrastructure and timely hydrological responses across India’s southern floodplains.
