Deep depression helps overcome water woes in Vizag

Visakhapatnam: While the deep depression left a trail of destruction across North Andhra, it proved to be a blessing in disguise for the parched region as reservoir and groundwater capacities have seen a rise. Following a three-day-long continuous spell, over 30-cm of rainfall has been recorded in a majority of places in North Andhra. El-Nino has badly impacted global rainfall patterns and its effect is quite visible in AP too.

The heavy spell, triggered by the deep depression, brought much-needed relief to Visakhapatnam, where drinking-water sources have been steadily declining due to this year’s rainfall deficit.

The storage levels in the Tatipudi, Mehadrigedda, Raiwada, Mudasarlova and Gambheeram reservoirs, which are the major sources of drinking water for the city, had fallen considerably and were about to reach dead storage. The situation had raised concerns among GVMC officials and residents about the availability of water during the ensuing summer.

However, the situation changed significantly in three days, following the widespread rains that began on September 22.

Inflows into several reservoirs have increased, providing relief to officials who were working on contingency plans to meet the city’s drinking-water requirements during the summer. The water level in the Mehadrigedda reservoir, which was nearing its dead-storage level of about 44 feet, rose to 52 feet by Friday evening.

The Tatipudi reservoir, which stood at 276 feet on September 21, rose to 285 feet by Friday evening. Also, Mudasarlova reached 154 feet from 143 feet. Water levels in the Raiwada and Gambheeram reservoirs have also increased to a substantial extent.

This apart, the recent rains have helped recharge groundwater in several parts of Visakhapatnam. Many apartment complexes had reported their borewells running dry from August because of the prolonged rainfall deficit, forcing the GVMC to arrange water supply through tankers.

Officials informed that sustained rainfall could provide significant relief to both surface-water sources and groundwater reserves. A section of farmers also welcomed the rains, which arrived towards the end of the Kharif season and are expected to benefit agricultural activities.

Visakhapatnam district recorded 319.3-mm of rainfall between September 21 and 24, according to officials. The unusually heavy rainfall in September offered solace to the city’s water resources after months of concern over depleting water levels in reservoirs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vasu Potnuru

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Potnuru Srinivasa Rao (Vasu Potnuru) is an experienced journalist specialised in politics, sports, crime, general topics and tribal stories. With 18 years of writing and reporting expertise, he contributes to The Hans India's editorial department as Principal Correspondent based in Visakhapatnam. Vasu Potnuru completed his Bachelor of Business Management. Earlier, he worked as a staff reporter in a leading Telugu vernacular. During free time, the journalist spends time listening to music, playing cricket and shuttle badminton. Vasu Potnuru, an accomplished writer, honed his expertise in various genres such as politics, crime, sports and general topics. He received an award from the HYBIZ Media Awards for the Best Rural Story in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Also, he bagged the Best Crime Reporter Award in Visakhapatnam. He serves in different unions of working journalists and contributes to service activities.

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