TELUGU STATES: After 18 Years: Sagar Gates Open Amid Political Rift
The Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir, nearing its full capacity of 590 feet, prompted the lifting of all 26 crest gates to release floodwaters downstream, an event occurring in July for the first time in 18 years.
Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy and Minister Adluri Laxman oversaw the operation, amid reported discord with Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy.
Historic Floodgate Release
Heavy inflows from upstream reservoirs, including Srisailam, filled Nagarjuna Sagar to 586.60 feet, just shy of its 590-foot capacity, holding 305.62 TMC against 312.04 TMC.
Authorities lifted all 26 crest gates by five feet, releasing 78,060 cusecs to manage flood risks, while issuing alerts to low-lying areas downstream. This early release, typically occurring in August, marks a significant hydrological event.
Ministerial Oversight and Ceremonial Release
Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy, joined by Adluri Laxman and senior officials, performed traditional rituals before the gate-lifting, emphasizing the project’s role in irrigating 22.12 lakh acres across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Reddy hailed Nagarjuna Sagar as a “modern temple,” crediting its foundation to Jawaharlal Nehru and inauguration by Indira Gandhi. The release supports 10.38 lakh acres under the left canal, including 6.3 lakh acres in Telangana.
Komatireddy’s Abrupt Departure
Tensions surfaced as Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy left Begumpet Airport after waiting an hour for Uttam Kumar Reddy, who was delayed for a scheduled 9 a.m. helicopter departure.
Komatireddy’s reported frustration, including switching off his phones, sparked political speculation, though the gate-lifting proceeded without him. This incident highlighted underlying coordination issues among Telangana’s leadership.
Strategic Water Management
The release was driven by heavy inflows of 2,28,900 cusecs from upstream, far exceeding the outflow of 1,18,790 cusecs, necessitating proactive flood control measures. Water was also diverted to the left and right canals for irrigation and to a hydroelectric power plant, balancing agricultural and energy needs.
Authorities ensured downstream safety with precautionary measures, including pump deployments at vulnerable sites like the Sri Lakshminarsimha Swamy temple.
Agricultural and Economic Significance
Uttam Reddy underscored the Congress government’s commitment to farmers, noting Nagarjuna Sagar’s role in irrigating 1.46 lakh acres in Nalgonda, 2.3 lakh acres in Suryapet, and 2.54 lakh acres in Khammam.
The project’s early water release is expected to bolster paddy cultivation, following last year’s record 2.81 crore tonnes of production in Telangana. This operation reinforces the state’s focus on sustainable irrigation.
Addressing Regional Challenges
The early filling of Nagarjuna Sagar, driven by heavy rains in the Krishna basin, reflects robust water management amid regional challenges, including past Andhra Pradesh-Telangana disputes over the dam’s control.
The coordinated release underscores Telangana’s proactive approach to managing shared resources while prioritizing farmer welfare and flood safety.