BENGALURU: In the wake of a crest gate at the Tungabhadra reservoir being washed away, DK Shivakumar, deputy chief minister and water resources minister, on Monday announced the formation of an expert committee to evaluate structural safety of all dams in Karnataka.
The National Register of Large Dams, which is maintained by the central water commission, and National Dam Safety Authority, Karnataka, lists 231 large dams in the state, of which some 20 are classified as major dams.
After inspecting the Tungabhadra dam on Sunday, Shivakumar acknowledged the gravity of the situation but insisted there is no cause for alarm.
“This has happened for the first time in 70 years,” he said. He explained that unlike other dams which have double chain links for their gates, the Tungabhadra dam has only one chain. It snapped for gate No 19.
Shivakumar said repairs have been initiated. “In 4-5 days, the gate will be repaired,” he said while urging farmers not to panic. “We are doing this on a war-footing. We can save about 55-60tmcft of water. We want to help farmers save at least one crop. We have alerted areas downstream since a significant amount of water is being released.”
The deputy chief minister emphasised the importance of enhancing dam safety and detailed plans to engage JSW Steel for production of a stronger iron gate. Sources say the dam has a maximum storage capacity of 133tmcft and held 100tmcft of water on Saturday, with the remainder comprising silt.
On allegations of govt neglect towards Almatti and Tungabhadra dams compared to Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) dam, he labelled them “political allegations.” Shivakumar clarified that Tungabhadra dam is governed by a separate board and while the state is a member it does not have full control. On Union minister HD Kumaraswamy comments on KRS dam, Shivakumar shrugged them off, saying, “What does Kumaraswamy know? He only knows how to indulge in politicking.”
Chief minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to visit Tungabhadra reservoir on Tuesday.
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