KRMB allows power generation at Srisailam till Nov 2

Hyderabad, Oct 31 (INN): The Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) on Friday permitted conditional generation of power in Srisailam reservoir till November 2.

"Having heard the views of both the sides and considering the available storages in Srisailam reservoir and also pending working out the modalities of integrated operation of Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar on long-term basis and in order to address the immediate water and power requirements, it is directed that up to November 2, the water in Srisailam may be used optimally in such a way that drawl of water for power generation may not exceed 3 TMC up to November 2, after which the demand for power may go down," the KRMB said in its order on Friday.

The KRMB said if required, the matter would be reviewed after November 15.

The KRMB said that the water and power requirement of both the States were shared by the State representatives. On the basis of a note on October 21 from Government of Andhra Pradesh, suggestions were made to Government of Telangana stating that drinking and irrigation water requirements be given priority to other uses and the existing water demands up to the end of crop season may be given priority.

Subsequently, Government of Telangana on October 22 stated that power generated from Srisailam may be treated at par with irrigation water requirements and also cited that Government of Andhra Pradesh is not providing the due share of power to Government of Telangana.

"During the course of discussions, Engineer-in-Chief, Government of Telangana indicated that they are in dire need of power and clue to which they are operating Srisailam Left Bank Power house as per their demand.

However. it was also stated by them that the major requirement for power generation from Srisailam is largely up to November 28 to sustain the standing crops for pumping ground water, beyond which the power demands will get reduced considerably and also they will be operating Nagarjuna Sagar for power generation and the need of generating power at Srisailam may not arise thereafter for Wing period," the Board disclosed in its order.

It was brought to the notice of Board that for the operation rules of Srisailam Reservoir, erstwhile State of Andhra. Pradesh had issued different G.Os. In the opinion of Telangana State, these rules needed modifications due to bifurcation of the State.

KRMB officials stated that for any updating of existing operation rules, careful study and analysis of data regarding crop water management, other water use etc., has to be made in consultations of both States. Till the requisite data analysis and formulations of fresh guidelines, existing protocols with mutual cooperation should be honoured, the board said.