Why Were the Fourteen Crest Gates of Nagarjuna Sagar Dam Lifted?
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Synopsis
In a significant development, the Nagarjuna Sagar dam has opened fourteen crest gates for the first time in 18 years during July. Heavy rains from upstream have led to this unprecedented decision. Learn about the implications for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Fourteen crest gates of Nagarjuna Sagar dam opened for water release.
- This is the first July opening in 18 years.
- Water was released due to heavy inflows from Srisailam dam.
- The dam irrigates 22 lakh acres across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
- Authorities alerted residents in low-lying areas to ensure safety.
Hyderabad, July 29 (NationPress) On Tuesday, fourteen crest gates of the Nagarjuna Sagar dam, located on the Krishna River, were lifted to allow water to flow downstream.
This marks the first occasion in 18 years that the dam's gates have been opened in July.
Typically, water is released in August; however, due to significant inflows from the Srisailam dam caused by heavy rains in upstream areas of Maharashtra and Karnataka, the reservoir has nearly reached its capacity earlier this season.
Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy and Minister for Scheduled Caste Development and Tribal Welfare Adluri Laxman Kumar supervised the opening of 14 out of the 26 crest gates, enabling the release of water.
The gates were raised to a height of five feet, resulting in the release of 78,060 cusecs of water downstream. On Tuesday morning, the inflow into Nagarjuna Sagar was recorded at 2,28,900 cusecs, with an outflow of 1,18,790 cusecs.
Additionally, water is being diverted to the left and right canals for irrigation purposes and to support a hydroelectric power plant.
Officials have issued warnings to residents in low-lying areas downstream prior to the water release.
As of Tuesday morning, the water level at Nagarjuna Sagar dam was at 587.20 feet compared to its maximum capacity of 590 feet. The current water storage stands at 305.62 TMC (thousand million cubic feet), with a total capacity of 312.04 TMC.
Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy expressed his satisfaction with the lifting of the crest gates, referring to Nagarjuna Sagar as a modern temple. He highlighted that the project's foundation was laid by the first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and it was later inaugurated by Indira Gandhi.
The significant project irrigates approximately 22 lakh acres across both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
In a related development, following substantial inflows from upstream projects, authorities at the Srisailam dam in Andhra Pradesh have also opened their crest gates.
The Srisailam gates were raised to a height of 10 feet to facilitate water flow downstream to Nagarjuna Sagar.
According to officials, the Srisailam water level on Tuesday morning was 883 feet, with a full reservoir level of 885 feet. The water storage at Srisailam was recorded at 204.78 TMC, with a total capacity of 215.80 TMC.
Currently, 2,29,743 cusecs of water is entering Srisailam from the Jurala and Sunkesula projects, while 2,48,900 cusecs is being released.
Officials noted that 1,62,942 cusecs are being let out, including 20,000 cusecs through the Pothireddypadu head regulator, 35,315 cusecs through the left bank hydel power station, and 30,643 cusecs through the right bank hydel station.
Point of View
I affirm that the lifting of the crest gates at the Nagarjuna Sagar dam is a crucial development for both regional irrigation and power generation. While the authorities have taken necessary precautions for downstream safety, the event underscores the importance of adaptive management strategies in the face of changing weather patterns.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of lifting the gates at Nagarjuna Sagar dam?
Lifting the gates allows for the release of excess water, which is crucial for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation, especially after heavy rainfall.
Why are the gates opened earlier than usual this year?
The gates were opened early due to significant inflows from upstream dams following heavy rains in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
How much water is being released from the Nagarjuna Sagar dam?
The current release is 78,060 cusecs of water downstream.
What precautions are being taken for downstream residents?
Authorities have alerted residents in low-lying areas to ensure safety before the water release.
What are the current water levels in the Nagarjuna Sagar dam?
As of now, the water level is at 587.20 feet, with a total storage of 305.62 TMC.
