Flood inflows surge at Medigadda barrage as all 85 gates remain open

As of Thursday morning, both inflow and outflow at the barrage reached 71,900 cusecs, a sharp increase from Wednesday’s inflow of 31,900 cusecs, effectively doubling in just two days. However, not even a trickle could be utilised as all the 85 gates of the barrage were kept open draining the flood flow for want of barrage rehabilitation.

Hyderabad: The Medigadda (Lakshmi) barrage, a key component of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, is witnessing a significant surge in flood inflows due to heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of Pranahita, the main tributary of the Godavari.

As of Thursday morning, both inflow and outflow at the barrage reached 71,900 cusecs, a sharp increase from Wednesday’s inflow of 31,900 cusecs, effectively doubling in just two days. However, not even a trickle could be utilised as all the 85 gates of the barrage were kept open draining the flood flow for want of barrage rehabilitation.

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The increased water flow is due to heavy rains in the Pranahita River catchment in Maharashtra. Authorities have opened all gates of the barrage to release the floodwaters downstream. Officials said the inflows may rise further. Meanwhile, other irrigation projects in the upper Godavari basin are still experiencing poor inflows.

The Jayakwadi project in Maharashtra is receiving a mere 2,000 cusecs, while Singur in Telangana is reporting zero inflows. Nizam Sagar is receiving less than 1,000 cusecs, and Sriram Sagar is receiving slightly over 8,000 cusecs. Yellampalli and Kaddam projects are also recording modest inflows of 1,200 cusecs and 900 cusecs, respectively.

The flow of the Godavari, primarily driven by the southwest monsoon (June–September), remains seasonal. The inflows that have just started are reflecting the early monsoon phase.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued rainfall in Maharashtra and Telangana, particularly in the Western Ghats and local catchments, which may lead to increased inflows in the coming days. In July 2024, Sriramsagar recorded inflows of 1,620 cusecs due to rains in Nanded and Nizamabad, with expectations of higher flows if rainfall intensifies in Maharashtra.