The Godavari River is witnessing a surge in its water levels, particularly in Telangana, as heavy rainfall lashes its upper catchment areas and tributaries in Maharashtra. The rise in the river levels is largely due to relentless rainfall in the catchment of Pranahita and other tributaries, compounded by increased discharges from upstream river basin projects in Maharashtra.
Dams and reservoirs, including the Medigadda barrage, key component of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project with all its 85 flood gates open, are releasing excess water to manage the inflow, further contributing to the rising river levels. However, the present water level at Bhadrachalam, the temple town is far below the first warning level of 43 feet. Second warning would be issued at 48 ft ahead of the floodflow reaching the danger level of 53 ft.
