Irrigation Department on high alert in Andhra Pradesh following Cyclone Murasu

In view of the heavy rainfall occurring in several parts of Andhra Pradesh under the influence of Cyclone Murasu, State Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu has directed irrigation department officials to remain on high alert. During a teleconference held with senior officials on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, the Minister gave clear instructions to continuously monitor the flow of water in rivers, drains, and reservoirs. Furthermore, it has been stated that they should remain prepared to tackle flood-like situations by coordinating properly with other government departments.

The Minister informed that heavy rainfall has been recorded in Palnadu, Guntur, Bapatla, Prakasam, Krishna, Eluru, and West Godavari districts. Specifically, the Nallamada and Parchur drains flowing through the Parchur, Bapatla, Chirala, and Prathipadu areas are flowing above their maximum levels. Given this situation, officials have been urged to remain alert and take precautionary measures. The Minister emphasized that arrangements should be made to immediately drain rainwater accumulated in fields through canals and drains to prevent damage to crops. He also asked officials to continuously monitor the condition of the fields to reduce the hardships faced by farmers.

Speaking about the water levels in reservoirs and rivers, the Minister has instructed to closely monitor the inflow of water into Budameru, Errakalava, Goneruvagu, Tammileru, and Yeleru rivers as well as other reservoirs, as heavy rains are occurring in the upper catchment areas. Regarding the Prakasam Barrage, the Minister stated that 71,000 cusecs of water is being received from Guntur and Palnadu districts. Water from the Budameru catchment area is being diverted into the Krishna river through the Budameru Diversion Canal. All 70 gates of the Prakasam Barrage have been opened, and officials have been ordered to effectively manage the water flow there.

Due to heavy rains in Vijayawada over the last two days, 3,000 cusecs of water is being released into the sea through the Enikepadu under-tunnel. Officials in the North Coastal districts have also been asked to take precautions in advance. Following widespread rainfall in East Godavari district, officials have been instructed to visit the affected areas, regularly assess the situation, and take all necessary steps to ensure that the general public and farmers do not face any difficulties. Special Chief Secretary of the Irrigation Department Shashi Bhushan, Advisor Venkateswara Rao, Engineer-in-Chief Narasimha Murthy, and several Chief and Superintending Engineers participated in this teleconference.

Nimmala Ramanaidu serves as the Minister for Water Resources in the Andhra Pradesh government.