Godavari flood threat rises as projects release heavy inflows

Heavy rainfall in Telangana, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh has swollen the Godavari, with major projects like SRSP, Yellampally, and Medigadda under pressure. Several districts face flood threats, villages have been cut off, crops submerged, and officials remain on high alert

Hyderabad: The Godavari river basin projects are witnessing a steady surge in water levels, raising the flood threat across several districts in Telangana, including Adilabad and Nirmal. Heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of Telangana, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh has triggered the risk of flooding in low-lying areas.

The Sri Ram Sagar Project (SRSP) is under pressure, receiving inflows of 4,30,000 cusecs as of August 29, 2025. The project, nearing its full reservoir level of 1091 feet, is discharging heavy floodwaters downstream, contributing to the rising Godavari levels. On August 27, SRSP had released 2,50,000 cusecs.

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The Sripada Yellampalli Project is experiencing heavy inflows. The water level stood at 145.08 metres against a full reservoir level of 148 metres, with a storage capacity of 12.81 TMC out of 20.175 TMC. The instant inflow was 6,83,028 cusecs, including 4,53,245 cusecs from the Sri Ram Sagar Project, 27,648 cusecs from the Kaddam Project, and 2,02,135 cusecs from its catchment area. The outflow was slightly lower at 6,76,834 cusecs, with 38 of the 62 gates open.

In Nirmal district, the Gaddenna Vagu Project is filled to the brim, with a storage capacity of 102 TMC against a gross capacity of 102.73 TMC. Heavy rainfall, with Nirmal recording 33 cm in a single day, has led to massive inflows. The project officials lifted three crest gates and released 20,500 cusecs downstream. The water level is at 358.55 metres as against the FRL of 358.70 metres. Residents in the catchment areas have been advised to stay alert, as low-lying regions face inundation risks.

The intense rainfall triggered by a severe low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal has caused widespread disruption in Nirmal and Adilabad districts. Roads, including the old national highway from Nirmal to Adilabad, have been washed away, and transportation has been disrupted in areas like Basar, Sarangapur, and Son mandals. Villages such as Bidrelli, Jam, and Madapur have been cut off due to overflowing streams and rivers, including the Swarna Vagu.

Agricultural fields along the Godavari and its tributaries have been submerged, and crop losses are said to be extensive. At Kaleshwaram, the Godavari is flowing fiercely, with water levels at Pushkar Ghat reaching 12.50 metres, surpassing the first warning level of 12.210 metres and nearing the danger level of 13.46 metres. The district administration has issued alerts, and special puja rituals were conducted at the Triveni Sangamam. Floodwaters have submerged the Pushkar Ghats and inundated private lodges and farmland.

At the Medigadda barrage, part of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, inflows and outflows stood at 9,71,880 cusecs. All 85 crest gates are open, with the water level at 97.20 metres, close to the full reservoir level of 100 metres. The Manjira river, a key tributary of the Godavari, is also in spate, adding to the flood threat in Nizamabad, Kamareddy, Medak, and Sangareddy districts. The Nizam Sagar Project is receiving inflows of 54,200 cusecs and releasing 43,286 cusecs, with villages like Khandagam and Hangarga in Bodhan mandal facing inundation.

Road connectivity to several villages has been cut off, and the administration is working to restore access and provide relief. The Upper Manair Project and Mid Manair reservoir are also reporting heavy inflows and outflows. The Upper Manair Project, at full capacity with a water level of 1482.50 feet, is releasing 40,195 cusecs through its spillway. The Mid Manair reservoir, with a water level of 316 metres, is receiving 38,694 cusecs and releasing 45,083 cusecs, with 17 of its 25 spillway gates open.

The administrations in Bhadradri Kothagudem, Adilabad, and Nirmal are on high alert, with flood control rooms operational and relief camps set up for affected residents. Officials are closely monitoring the situation as the river is expected to rise further due to heavy inflows from upstream projects and tributaries like the Pranahita, Indravati, and Taliperu.