Bhadrachalam: Due to continuous heavy rains for the last few days, the water level of Godavari river at Bhadrachalam is continuously rising; it reached 35.50 feet by 8 pm on Saturday. Flood water is entering the river due to heavy rains in the upper catchment area of Chhattisgarh as well as Kothagudem district. According to officials, 81,572 cusecs of excess water has been released from Taliperu project in the last 24 hours. At 11 am, 21 gates of Taliperu project in Cherla mandal were opened and 1,04,834 cusecs of excess water was released. The project received an inflow of 1,05,570 cusecs of water. Officials expected that the water level of Godavari river may reach 41 feet by night. Due to the rising water level, Seethamma Narchirala area was inundated and the visit to the area was postponed. The district administration is reviewing the steps to be taken if the water in Godavari reaches ‘danger’ level. Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police B Rohith Raju has warned fishermen and people living along the banks of Godavari, Kinnerasani and other rivers not to enter the water bodies. District Collector Jitesh V Patil is monitoring the situation along with officials and has ordered them not to leave the places without any information. He has also set up control rooms at RDO offices. Besides, people have been requested not to panic over the floods. “We should be prepared to face any situation,” Patil said. He advised people to stay indoors and contact control rooms at 08744-241950 or 9392919743 for emergencies. Irrigation officials expect flood water in Bhadrachalam to be marked at 40 feet. He said the first warning level would be at 43 feet, second warning at 48 feet and final warning at 53 feet.
The water level of Godavari river crossed 35 feet
