Kurnool: For the first time ever, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu formally opened four crest gates—6, 7, 8, and 11—of the Srisailam reservoir on Tuesday, releasing water downstream. This marked the first instance of a sitting Chief Minister personally releasing water from the dam.As of 5 pm, the reservoir was receiving heavy inflows of 1.94 lakh cusecs from the upper catchment areas, while an outflow of 1,94,641 cusecs was being discharged. The water level in the reservoir has reached 195 TMC feet, irrigation officials said. Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister visited the Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple and offered prayers. He was welcomed by Temple Executive Officer M. Srinivasa Rao and priests with the traditional Purna Kumbham. He also participated in rituals including the Chandi Homam and special pujas inside the sanctum. Following this, Naidu proceeded to the dam site and performed Jala Harathi, offering ceremonial flowers, sarees, and other sacred items to the Krishna River. Officials stood by as the CM initiated the opening of the gates, beginning with Gate No. 6. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister expressed happiness that the reservoir was full this early in July. He said he had prayed to Lord Mallikarjuna and Goddess Bhramaramba for the well-being of farmers and for regional prosperity through abundant water supply. He emphasised that, just as people offer reverence at temples, they should also respect and protect reservoirs, which are lifelines for agriculture and human survival. Ministers N. Ramanaidu and B.C. Janardhan Reddy, legislators B. Rajasekhar Reddy and B. Akhila Priya, MP Dr Byreddy Shabari, Collector G. Rajakumari and other officials were present.
Source link
