Overview
- Officials began phased releases from the Sir Arthur Cotton (Dowleswaram) barrage on Sunday, May 31, to start Kharif 2026-27 irrigation across the Godavari Delta.
- The first phase will water about 2.63 lakh acres, prioritising areas where canal repair work is finished while engineers continue fixes in other stretches.
- The government has sanctioned Rs 147 crore to repair all 175 barrage gates and Rs 100 crore for river protection to speed distribution and reduce pollution risk.
- Some local legislators asked to delay releases until June 15 because maintenance is incomplete, but Water Resources officials said repairs can proceed during phased flow.
- Authorities have assured that drinking-water and irrigation sharing plans are in place to manage supplies through October 31, which could help farmers aim for an earlier harvest to reduce El Niño exposure.