In a significant development at Karnataka’s Tungabhadra Dam, Gate Number 19 was washed away last night due to the snapping of a chain link, leading to immediate flood alerts downstream in Koppal and neighboring areas of Andhra Pradesh. The incident occurred as floodwaters surged, prompting authorities to take swift action to manage the situation.
According to a senior official, the dam’s flood management system was compromised when the chain link failed, resulting in the loss of Gate Number 19. In response, all but five of the dam’s gates were opened to alleviate pressure, with the goal of reducing the reservoir level from 105 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) to between 65 and 55 TMC. This reduction is crucial for carrying out necessary repairs to the damaged gate.
Currently, the dam is discharging 89,000 cusecs of water, which has led to heightened vigilance along the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh. Residents have been advised to stay alert, avoid crossing canals and streams, and refrain from approaching the Tungabhadra river due to the increased discharge.
Koppal district in-charge Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi emphasized the urgency of emptying the dam to address the problem, stating that releasing 60 to 65 TMC of water is essential. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is en route to Koppal to oversee the situation.
The Tungabhadra Dam, which has been operational for 70 years, has rarely faced such significant issues. The current situation marks a rare but critical challenge for the dam’s management and local authorities. The ongoing repair work and flood management efforts are being closely monitored to ensure safety and mitigate any potential impacts.
Sources By Agencies
