Kurnool turns to stored water as barrage hits 20-year low for Ganesh immersion

Industries and Commerce Minister T.G. Bharath has confirmed that the Kurnool administration will rely on diverted water and specially constructed storage tanks for this year's Ganesh idol immersion ceremonies, after water levels at the Sunkesula Barrage dropped to their lowest point in two decades.

The Minister inspected preparations at Vinayaka Ghat along the K-C Canal and the Handri-Neeva tanks near Nannur toll plaza, where he reviewed water availability, security measures, and infrastructure with officials. He directed them to ensure all necessary arrangements are in place for conducting the immersion on a grand scale.

Record Water Shortage Forces New Approach

Mr. Bharath noted that the water storage level at the Sunkesula Barrage currently stands at a historic low of 0.288 tmcft, a level not witnessed in the past 20 years. Because of this critically low storage, it is not feasible to release water directly from the Sunkesula Barrage into the K-C Canal for immersion this year, the Minister explained. The administration has therefore focused on alternative arrangements for the immersion process.

Infrastructure Modifications at Vinayaka Ghat

To compensate for the shortage, walls are being constructed on both sides of the K-C Canal at the Vinayaka Ghat to create a tank-like structure capable of storing water. The Minister explained that measures are being taken to divert approximately 2 million litres of water, which currently goes to waste from the pump house to the K-C Canal, and store it in the specially constructed tank at Vinayaka Ghat.

Municipal Corporation and Handri-Neeva Support

Mr. Bharath said the Kurnool Municipal Corporation (KMC) is also arranging heavy vehicles and other necessary facilities for the event. Noting that the water flow in the Handri-Neeva project has been good so far, he mentioned that a continuous flow is likely to be maintained during the immersion as well.

The Minister suggested that members of the Vinayaka immersion committee inspect both the K-C Canal and the Handri-Neeva area near the Nannur toll gate. He stated that the final plan for the immersion would be formulated based on the committee members' inspection and their decision.

Source: The Hindu