Water level rising in Godavari

Bhadrachalam: Water level of the Godavari river at Bhadrachalam rose to 23.9 feet at 6 pm on Monday putting officials on alert. The water level in the river rose with copious inflows from the upper catchment area which witnessed a heavy rainfall.

With the floodwater touching the bathing ghat, the devotees visiting the pilgrimage town are unable to take holy dip in the river.

If the water level further rises to 43 feet, the officials will sound the first warning, second warning at 48 feet and third warning at 53 feet.

The district administration is taking all measures to evacuate people from low-lying areas if necessary.

District Collector Rajath Kumar Saini, Project Office V P Goutam and Sub-Collector Bavesh Mishra held a meeting with officials. Essential commodities are kept ready for distribution in case flood level rises.

Meanwhile, 15 gates of Taliperu project in Cherla mandal were opened, releasing 37,700 cusecs water into Godavari.