Krishna water flows into Poondi

Chennai:

Krishna water began flowing into Poondi reservoir giving some hope to water managers as rains continue to elude the city with the water levels dropping to less than 1TMC feet.

"Poondi reservoir is now getting 300 cusecs of water from Kandaleru reservoir in Andhra Pradesh. The water flow would be increased to 500 cusecs. The water reached the reservoir on Saturday night," said a Water Reources Department official.

As per norms, the state should recieve 2TMC feet of Krishna water from Andhra Pradesh. "We have recieved only 336 million cubic feet. We hope Andhra continues to supply water to fulfill its obligation," the source said.

The worrying factor for officials is that Krishna Water in the 152-km-long Kandaleru-Poondi canal is being tapped by ryots illegally for the second crop. The issue has been raised following which water is being released under the surveillance of cops so that water doesn't get diverted.

However, all is not well in Andhra Pradesh also. "There is demand of water for Andhra Pradesh also. The supply would last till there is adequate water in Kandaleru reservoi," sources added.

Meanwhile, the water managers are looking to ground water to fulfill the drinking water supply of the city. The city although has 200 MLD of water through desalination plants on any given day, it is not enough as the city is expanding. Officials are now looking at tapping the private wells to ensure drinking water to the city