Godavari flood recedes at Bhadrachalam as all warnings withdrawn

The Godavari flood at Bhadrachalam has receded rapidly, leading to the withdrawal of all three flood warnings within 24 hours. While road connectivity has been restored, upstream inflows remain substantial and authorities have begun preparations for sanitation and Pushkaralu-related works.

Hyderabad: The Godavari river flood at Bhadrachalam has receded sharply, with all three flood warnings withdrawn within 24 hours, even as substantial inflows continue in the river system. The water level fell to 42.9 feet by Sunday evening, prompting authorities to withdraw the first warning. The third warning was lifted at 11.16 pm on Saturday when the level fell to 52.9 feet, followed by the second warning at 7.45 am on Sunday when the level reached 47.9 feet.

The fall in water levels has restored road connectivity and normal vehicular movement, though silt and mud left behind by the flood have created problems for local residents. Bathing ghats are also gradually re-emerging as the water has receded.

---

However, upstream flows remained significant. The Pranahita was receiving around 5 lakh cusecs by Monday, down from 5.66 lakh cusecs on Saturday. Inflows at the Sitamma Sagar barrage fell sharply from 15.25 lakh cusecs to 9 lakh cusecs. The Medigadda (Lakshmi) barrage was receiving 5.52 lakh cusecs, while Sammakka Sagar was receiving 5.67 lakh cusecs, with all 59 gates remaining open.

In the Krishna basin, Jurala inflows declined from 1.78 lakh cusecs to 1.4 lakh cusecs, with 27 gates open. However, inflows into Srisailam rose from 1.28 lakh cusecs to 1.6 lakh cusecs.

Meanwhile, eight motors at the Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme were operational, pumping 2,129 cusecs of water a day into the Bhimganapuram reservoir.

With the flood receding, authorities now face the task of clearing mud and maintaining sanitation at the ghats and temple surroundings. The Irrigation department is also preparing to take up ghat development works worth Rs 36.94 crore ahead of the Godavari Pushkaralu.