Andhra Pradesh reservoirs brim at 85% capacity after August rains; IMD warns of more showers

VISAKHAPATNAM: Heavy rains across Andhra Pradesh in August have filled reservoirs in both coastal and Rayalaseema regions, with most water bodies now brimming. As of September 7, major and medium reservoirs in the state were at 85.49 per cent of their total capacity.According to the Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Information and Management System (APWRIMS), the state’s total gross capacity at Full Reservoir Level (FRL) is 1,105.85 tmc ft, of which 945.44 tmc ft was stored on Sunday. This is a sharp increase from 832.87 tmc ft recorded on the same day last year.Of this, major reservoirs account for 893.17 tmc ft (88.06 per cent) and medium reservoirs hold 52.28 tmc ft (57.09 per cent).

The available flood cushion, or space to absorb fresh inflows, stands at 160.42 tmc ft.In terms of river basins, the Krishna holds 659.76 tmc ft (94.87 per cent) of its gross capacity of 695.45 tmc ft. The Godavari basin has 18.27 tmc ft (68.42 per cent of 26.71 tmc ft), while the Pennar basin has improved to 212.91 tmc ft (72.44 per cent of 293.89 tmc ft). Other smaller basins together hold 54.5 tmc ft (60.6 per cent).Although much of the state experienced dry spells in June and July, multiple low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal and a few upper-air circulations brought heavy rain in August.

This led to 39 per cent excess rainfall last month, offsetting the deficit from earlier in the monsoon season and boosting reservoir storage.Officials said they are balancing irrigation and drinking water needs while closely monitoring flood safety.By the end of August, Andhra Pradesh had completed sowing on 22.12 lakh hectares for the ongoing kharif season — 71 per cent of the normal area of 31.16 lakh hectares. Rainfed land makes up nearly 60 per cent of the state’s cultivated area, leaving agriculture heavily dependent on rainfall. Paddy, pulses, groundnut, cotton and millets are the main kharif crops.Key points: