Andhra HC sets terms for water release from Nagarjunasagar dam

A division bench of the AP High Court on Monday directed the state government not to release water from the Nagarjunasagar dam if it’s water level falls below the 510 feet mark.

Dealing with a public interest petition seeking stoppage of water from the world’s largest Masonry dam to the Krishna delta, the bench comprising acting chief justice P C Ghose and justice Vilas V Afzulpurkar ordered the government to file a detailed report on the dam’s water level within two weeks.

The petitioner’s counsel argued that the drinking water supply to fluoride-affected areas of Nalgonda district and the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad would be affected if the water level at the project fell below the MDDL (Minimum Draw Down Level) of 525 feet. He urged the court to direct the government to stop the water release as the dam’s water level is below the MDDL of 525 feet.

The government’s counsel stated that water would not be released downstream below the 510 feet mark. The case was adjourned to two weeks.

Water released from the dam is essential for irrigation of paddy fields in the delta.

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