Cyclone Murasu: All 70 gates of Prakasam Barrage opened; 71,000 cusecs released into Krishna
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Cyclone Murasu has triggered heavy rainfall in the Krishna basin, forcing authorities to open all 70 gates of the Prakasam Barrage. Over 71,000 cusecs are being released downstream into the Krishna river to manage rising water levels and prevent flooding.
Emergency Management at Prakasam Barrage Amid Cyclone Murasu
The onset of Cyclone Murasu has placed the Krishna basin under significant hydrological pressure, necessitating immediate intervention by the Water Resources Department (WRD). As of Wednesday, November 4, 2026, the Prakasam Barrage has been forced into a state of maximum discharge, with all 70 of its gates opened to manage the surge of incoming water. This measure highlights the critical importance of infrastructure management during extreme weather events in regions vulnerable to cyclonic activity.
Origins of the Inflow
The current crisis is not merely a result of direct rainfall over the barrage itself, but a cumulative effect of upstream precipitation. The inflows are being driven primarily by the Keesara, Munneru, and Budameru streams, which have experienced heavy discharge following intense rainfall in the NTR district. These tributaries serve as vital drainage veins for the basin, but during cyclonic conditions, their capacity to deliver massive volumes of water rapidly overwhelms the existing reservoir infrastructure.
Strategic Discharge Operations
To safely navigate the 71,000 cusecs flowing into the barrage, the WRD has implemented a precise release strategy. By raising 30 gates by two feet and the remaining 40 gates by one foot, officials are ensuring that the water level is maintained at 12 feet while facilitating a controlled release into the Krishna river towards the Bay of Bengal. This operation is essential to prevent structural stress on the barrage and to mitigate the risk of sudden, uncontrolled overflow.
Precautionary Measures and Canal Safety
In a proactive effort to minimize potential damage to irrigation networks and surrounding agricultural land, the WRD has suspended all water supply to the Krishna Eastern, Krishna Western, and Guntur canals. By closing off these channels, authorities aim to prevent the saturation of canal banks and mitigate the risk of flooding in areas reliant on these irrigation systems. This decision reflects a prioritization of public safety and infrastructure integrity over agricultural water needs during the peak of the cyclone.
Regional Implications and Future Outlook
The situation at the Prakasam Barrage underscores the persistent challenge of water management in the Krishna basin during the monsoon and post-monsoon cyclonic seasons. As climate patterns become increasingly erratic, the reliance on legacy infrastructure like the Prakasam Barrage requires constant vigilance and sophisticated real-time monitoring. The successful management of this current inflow will be a key determinant in how local authorities refine their emergency response protocols for future weather-related crises.
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