Koppal: The Tungabhadra reservoir, a critical water source in the region, has been thrust into crisis after the chain link of its 19th crust gate broke, resulting in an uncontrolled release of water. Public access to the reservoir has been restricted as authorities work to address the situation, which has seen a massive outflow of water into the Tungabhadra River.
The dam at Hospet, which had recently reached full capacity for the first time in two years, had become a popular weekend destination for locals, who would gather to enjoy the scenic views and take selfies by the water. However, this incident has led to the establishment of a strict police cordon around the area, barring entry to everyone except high-ranking officials and dignitaries.
According to officials, an estimated 60 to 65 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water will need to be drained from the reservoir to facilitate the repair of the broken chain link at gate number 19. This daunting task has been further complicated by the high velocity of the water currently flowing out, making it impossible for repair teams to safely access the damaged area.
Shivraj Thangadagi, the district in-charge minister, visited the site on Sunday morning to assess the situation. During his visit, he confirmed the severity of the situation, stating, “The 19th crust gate chain link is broken, so the water has to be released inevitably. I have discussed this with the authorities. As of now, more than 60 to 65 TMC feet of water has to be emptied. Only when at least 20 feet of water is depleted will the exact problem be known.”
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The design of the dam has been reviewed, and officials have determined that due to the high water pressure and velocity, it is currently impossible to descend to the gate and commence repairs. Presently, the dam is releasing approximately 1 lakh cusecs of water, and officials have warned that if the outflow exceeds 2.50 lakh cusecs, the situation could worsen, leading to potential suffering for downstream communities. The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister have been briefed on the incident, and a team of experts from Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai is expected to arrive shortly to address the issue.
The situation has reached a critical juncture, with a vast amount of water being drained into the Tungabhadra River due to the malfunction. Officials reported that the broken part of the chain link has been swept away by the force of the water, making it even more challenging to assess the full extent of the damage.
The chain link of the crust gate reportedly broke around 11 pm on Saturday, August 10. Since then, the reservoir, which has a total capacity of 105 TMC, has been releasing between 35,000 and 45,000 cusecs of water from gate number 19 alone. However, with the full impact of the damage still unknown, this flow could increase substantially.
In light of the situation, authorities have issued warnings to residents living along the river to exercise extreme caution. The sudden surge in water levels poses a significant risk to those living near the riverbanks. The local administration, in coordination with state officials, is working tirelessly to mitigate the impact of this incident and ensure public safety.
As the situation develops, further updates will be provided on the ongoing efforts to repair the dam and manage the water release. In the meantime, the public is urged to remain vigilant and follow all safety advisories issued by authorities.
In Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has inquired into the incident of the Tungabhadra Dam gate collapsing. He has instructed officials to visit the dam and assess the situation. He directed the Kurnool Chief Engineer, Vijayawada Central Designs Commissioner, and national dam gate expert Kanna Naidu to provide him with a detailed report on the situation at the site. The Chief Minister emphasized the need for continuous updates on the situation.
Residents of Kautalam, Kosigi, Mantralayam, and Nandavaram mandals have been advised to stay alert. Additionally, officials at the Srisailam, Nagarjunasagar, and Pulichintala projects have been warned to remain vigilant, according to Minister Ramanaidu.
