Heavy rains across Telangana and the upper Krishna and Godavari basins have sharply increased inflows into major irrigation projects, prompting authorities to release water downstream. Officials have issued flood alerts while reservoir levels continue to rise amid sustained monsoon activity.
Former Minister V Srinivas Goud accused the Telangana government of failing to utilise floodwaters from the Krishna and Godavari rivers. He demanded immediate operation of all lift irrigation schemes, completion of the Palamuru-Rangareddy project and measures to safeguard the State's water interests.
Telangana has experienced an extraordinary monsoon season, with rainfall 35% above normal from June to November. The extended rains, driven by Cyclone Montha and Bay of Bengal systems, have led to record-breaking inflows in major reservoirs across the Krishna and Godavari basins.
The State-level Committee for Integrated Water Planning and Management (SCIWAM) has announced plans to extend irrigation support to nearly 43 lakh acres during the Rabi season of 2024-25. This decision, made during a meeting on Tuesday, will make approximately 350 TMC of water available under major and medium irrigation projects in both the Krishna and Godavari basins.