Major overhaul expected for TB dam gates amid safety concerns

Munirabad (Koppal): A meeting involving representatives from all three riparian states of the Tungabhadra dam is expected to occur here on either Nov 22 or 23, following the recent visit by SN Pandey, the chairman of the Tungabhadra Board.The agenda could feature a crucial decision regarding the replacement of all 33 crest gates of the dam, which have been in operation for over 71 years.On the night of Aug 10, the 19th crest gate collapsed due to water pressure, resulting in substantial water loss. A stop log gate was subsequently installed as a temporary measure. The AK Bajaj-led inquiry committee, tasked with investigating the incident thoroughly, recently submitted its findings to the govt.The committee's report recommends that the govt take prompt action to secure the reservoir. It proposed the immediate replacement of all 33 gates, noting that the crest gates have been in use for over 70 years past their 45-year expected lifespan.In this backdrop, TB Board chairperson SN Pandey convened with officials to discuss the safety measures of the reservoir, its existing water storage capacity, and the maximum permissible level. There were also thorough discussions focused on the capacity and security of all gates of the reservoir.TB Board secretary ORK Reddy indicates that all 33 crest gates will undergo strength assessment. The upcoming meeting will likely debate whether to replace gates selectively or implement a complete replacement. The participation of key officials from the three riparian states has sparked considerable interest.The Tungabhadra dam's ayacut area encompasses more than 13 lakh hectares of agricultural land across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. The dam serves as a water source for numerous villages, towns, cities, and industrial units.
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