Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Nagarjuna Sagar Rises, But Farmers Still Await Irrigation Water
Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir is receiving a large amount of water.
Its water level and storage are rising.
However, most gates and canals are still closed.
Only a small amount of water is being released through the SLBC.
Farmers need water for crops in the Nagarjuna Sagar ayacut area.
They say the Kharif growing season is at an important stage.
Officials have not said when irrigation water will reach the fields.
Farmers are asking for a clear release announcement to protect their crops.
Nagarjuna Sagar’s water level reached 531.70 feet by 9 a.m. Friday.
The reservoir stored 171.4844 TMC and received inflows of 55,278 cusecs.
Crest gates, the main power house, and both main canals remained closed.
Only 500 cusecs was released through the SLBC (AMRP), matching total outflow.
Farmers urged authorities to announce an irrigation-water schedule, warning that delays could damage Kharif crops.
- Who
- Farmers in the Nagarjuna Sagar ayacut area, along with government and irrigation authorities.
- What
- Farmers are awaiting irrigation water despite rising reservoir levels and heavy inflows.
- When
- As of 9 a.m. Friday; the article does not specify the date.
- Where
- The Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir and its ayacut area.
- Why
- Farmers say timely water is needed to protect standing Kharif crops and avoid losses.
Farmers’ Concerns
Authorities’ Current Position
Timing of irrigation release
Farmers’ Concerns
Farmers want irrigation water released soon, saying the Kharif crop is at a crucial stage and delays could cause crop losses.
Authorities’ Current Position
Officials have not provided clarity on when irrigation water will be released to the ayacut area.
Reservoir inflows and releases
Farmers’ Concerns
Farmers argue that rising storage and heavy inflows should be accompanied by a clear plan for supplying water to their fields.
Authorities’ Current Position
Despite inflows of 55,278 cusecs, the crest gates and major outlets remain closed, while only 500 cusecs is being released through the SLBC (AMRP).
- Water level
- 531.70 feet as of 9 a.m. Friday
- Reservoir storage
- 171.4844 TMC
- Inflow
- 55,278 cusecs
- Total outflow
- 500 cusecs
- Current release
- 500 cusecs through the SLBC (AMRP)
- Closed outlets
- Crest gates, the main power house, and the right and left canals
- Farmers’ request
- An immediate, clear announcement on irrigation-water release
