Vishnupuri dam reaches 97 % capacity amid heavy rains; 1 gate to be opened to discharge water

The Shankarrao Chavan Vishnupuri dam in Nanded district of Maharashtra, built on the Godavari river, has reached 97 % of its storage capacity following heavy rains, an official said on Monday.

One of the gates of the dam, which serves as the primary source of drinking water for Nanded city and supports irrigation across multiple tehsils in the central Maharashtra district, is being opened at late Monday night to release excess water, he said.

The gate will discharge water at a rate of 458 cubic metres per second (cumec), equivalent to around 16,173 cusecs, the official informed.

The water level in the dam, a major lift irrigation project, continues to rise due to incessant rainfall in its catchment area. Considering the increasing inflow into the reservoir, authorities have decided to open one gate to regulate the water level, he said.

Flood control authorities have urged the district administration to alert residents of all villages located downstream of the Vishnupuri barrage.

Residents living in low-lying areas and along the river have been advised to remain alert and follow instructions issued by the administration.