High Alert Issued for Krishna River

The Water Resources Department of Andhra Pradesh has issued a high alert for areas along the Krishna River due to significant water inflow from the Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar reservoirs. This precautionary measure affects five districts: Guntur, Palnadu, Bapatla, NTR, and Krishna.

Key Developments:

• Water Release from Pulichintala Project: On July 31, 2025, authorities released over 2.84 lakh cusecs of water from the Pulichintala Project by lifting 12 crest gates. The project received inflows exceeding 3.01 lakh cusecs, with a storage level of 41.586 TMC ft against a capacity of 45.77 TMC ft.
• Prakasam Barrage Operations: In Vijayawada, 70 crest gates of the Prakasam Barrage were lifted, releasing 71,000 cusecs downstream. Inflows peaked at 87,441 cusecs before reducing to 77,804 cusecs.
• Diverted Water: To alleviate pressure on the barrage, additional water was diverted into the Krishna Eastern Main Canal (10,207 cusecs) and Western Main Canal (6,234 cusecs).

Authorities are actively monitoring vulnerable areas like Budameru, Pulivagu, and Kotula Vagu. A comprehensive mapping of 43 flood-prone areas in Vijayawada has been conducted, with associated rehabilitation centers ready for activation if evacuations become necessary.

Government Response:

• 24x7 Emergency Control Room: A control room has been established at the Collectorate for residents to report flood-related emergencies. The contact number is 91549 70454.
• Surveillance and Preventive Measures: Various government teams, including those from the Irrigation, Revenue, Police, Panchayat Raj, and Municipal departments, are closely monitoring the situation.
• Alert to the Public: District Collector G. Lakshmisha emphasized vigilance for residents in low-lying areas. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) is on standby for immediate deployment.

Current Weather Forecast: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted no significant rain for Andhra Pradesh until August 6, 2025, with only isolated light to moderate rain expected at some locations.

Safety Guidelines:

• The A.P. State Disaster Management Authority has issued warnings against swimming or boating in the Krishna River and has advised fishermen to refrain from fishing for the next two days.

Conclusion: The authorities remain vigilant as they manage the situation stemming from heavy inflows, with proactive measures being taken to protect residents and infrastructure along the Krishna River.

Key Points:

• High alert declared for Krishna River and five districts in Andhra Pradesh.
• Water release exceeding 2.84 lakh cusecs from Pulichintala Project.
• Monitoring of inflows into Prakasam Barrage; significant water diversion to canals.
• 43 flood-prone areas identified in Vijayawada, with rehabilitation plans ready.
• 24/7 emergency control room established for flood emergencies.
• IMD forecasts no significant rain until August 6, 2025.
• Public safety guidelines issued against river activities during high alert.