VISAKHAPATNAM: Heavy rains across the state in the past ten days have helped many reservoirs reach almost their full storage level (FSL) in north coastal Andhra districts.
According to the meteorological department, maximum rain of 9.5 cm was recorded in Visakhapatnam in a span of 24 hours.
According to irrigation department sources, all major water reservoirs in north coastal Andhra are full to their brim due to the massive inflows. Most of the streams and rivulets in the rural areas are in full spate. Due to heavy rains in the catchment areas of various reservoirs, water levels were pushed up to the highest levels. Irrigation officials are already releasing waters from many reservoirs.
Kalyanapu Lova, Tandava, Pedderu, Konam, Raiwada, Thatipudi, Vengalaraya Sagar, Andhra, Vattigedda, Peddagedda and other reservoirs have reached maximum levels. Water level at Peederu reached 136 mts against the 137 mts FSL. Kalyanapulova has reached 459 ft against 460 ft FSL. Water levels have increased in Thotapalli (104 mts against 105 mts), Vengalaraya (393 mts/399 mts), Vattigedda (160 mts/161 mts), Peddagedda (209 mts/213.8 mts) and Konam reservoirs (98 mts/101.25 mts).
The greater Visakhapatnam city needs around 90 million gallons per day (MGD) of water supply for drinking and industrial purposes. The city with a population of 24 lakh people reportedly supplies only 60 MGD. The reservoirs are expected to meet the water needs till October, 2022.
