Early water release from Nagarjuna Sagar Left Canal boost to Kharif crop season

All three zones of the canal system in Telangana are irrigating around 6.3 lakh acres primarily for paddy cultivation. It forms the backbone of the NSLC ayacut, with 70% of the total area, approximately 7.2 lakh acres, dedicated to rice during the Kharif season.

Hyderabad: The Nagarjuna Sagar Left Canal (NSLC) is poised for an early water release in the third week of July, marking a rare and promising start to the Kharif season. This early release will be reminiscent of the advanced irrigation schedule to be commenced on July 28, 2022.

It was influenced by big inflows three years ago. It is expected to benefit farmers across the canal’s 10.27 lakh-acre ayacut, irrigation officials confirmed.

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Following a high-level meeting planned with elected representatives, the water release schedule for Zone I, covering Nalgonda and Suryapet districts in Telangana, will be finalised, with officials anticipating adequate inflows from upstream Krishna basin projects.

The NSLC’s reservoir is expected to reach its full capacity at the FRL of 590 feet by the end of the month, as it did in 2024. It is now well positioned to meet the estimated 60–65 TMC water requirement for the Kharif season, including 15 TMC allocated for Andhra Pradesh’s NTR district to support both irrigation and drinking water needs.

The early release of water into the canal was a rare event in recent years. The water carrying capacity was bolstered by modernisation efforts made two years ago. The canal system repairs helped enhance water efficiency, ensuring tail-end farmers in all three zones receive adequate supply.

All three zones of the canal system in Telangana are irrigating around 6.3 lakh acres primarily for paddy cultivation. It forms the backbone of the NSLC ayacut, with 70% of the total area, approximately 7.2 lakh acres, dedicated to rice during the Kharif season.

While zone I covers Nalgonda, Zone II is spread over Khammam and Bhadradri Kothagudem districts while Zone III extends partially into NTR district.

Despite timely release of water to the NSLC last year, breaches developed at places in Zone I and Zone II disrupted the schedule as the water releases were suspended for some time to facilitate repairs.