In a relief for flood-prone villages in Bhadrachalam, the water level in the Godavari river witnessed a steady decline on Thursday, according to authorities.
Following the release of excess water from five dams in Maharashtra into the Mutha and Godavari rivers over Monday and Tuesday, officials were worried that the water level in the river would rise further, cutting off and submerging villages. The water level had risen to 40 feet on Wednesday. However, presently the water level has decreased to 36 feet.
As per protocol, officials issue the first ‘alert’ when the water level reaches 43 feet. The second ‘alert’ is issued at 48 feet and the third at 53 feet.
Speaking to TNM, Bhadrachalam Sub Collector Bhavesh Mishra said, “The water level is dropping now. From 40 feet it has dropped to 36 feet, so there is nothing to worry about. On Tuesday night, the water level rose from 25 feet to 40 feet in just 2 hours. However, since yesterday night there has been a decline.”
“There is no damage or loss of life so far,” he added.
Speaking about the preparedness, the Sub Collector said, “We have a 30-member National Disaster Response Force ready, equipped with two boats and swimmers. We have even trained the revenue officials in swimming in case of a relief and rescue operation. Supplies of kerosene, rice, etc. that would last for at least three months have been stocked. A list of villages susceptible to floods have been identified. The list of vendors for power back-up, JCB operators, are all available.”
The Sub Collector added, “Until the water level touches 53-56 feet, there is nothing to worry about.”
Meanwhile, The Hindu reported that residents of 19 villages in Polavaram mandal and three villages in Yelerupadu mandal were evacuated to relief camps as the water level rose in the under-construction Polavaram dam.
In the neighbouring state of Andhra Pradesh, 12 villages in East Godavari districts are on alert as incessant rains lashed the upper catchment areas of the Godavari river. The continuous rainfall over the river, located in Telangana and Chhattisgarh regions, has caused a huge inflow of water downstream into the Dowleswaram Barrage, affecting transport connectivity in many areas.