Officials on high alert as Tungabhadra swells with heavy inflows

Roads & Buildings Minister directs officials of Electricity Department to restore power in case of disruptions, and to clear uprooted trees and debris from roads

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @Kurnool/Kadapa

KURNOOL district authorities have been placed on high alert after 90,000 cusecs of water were released from Tungabhadra Dam on Monday, with inflows into Sunkesula reservoir expected to rise to between 1.20 lakh and 2 lakh cusecs by Tuesday morning.

Kurnool District Collector P Ranjith Basha, reviewing the situation at Sunayana Auditorium, instructed officials to remain vigilant and monitor villages along the riverside. He said water had already reached Meliganuru in Kautalam mandal and touched Mantralayam. Revenue and irrigation officials were directed to alert residents through tom-tom announcements and take precautionary measures in low-lying areas.

At present, 76,000 cusecs are being released downstream from Sunkesula reservoir. The Collector warned that water levels in low-lying areas of Kurnool city could rise, and instructed the municipal corporation and revenue staff to take advance action to protect residents. He also directed Sub-Collectors and RDOs to prevent accidents along riverbanks and respond quickly to emergencies.