Expert team assesses repair plans for Tungabhadra Left bank Canal during crest gate installation

Photo: Installation work of new crest gates being carried out at the Tungabhadra Dam in Munirabad, Koppal talukMunirabad (Koppal): A team of nine experts, headed by retired govt secretary GT Chandrashekarappa, visited the Tungabhadra dam's left-bank canal site on Tuesday to assess repair work planned over the next six months. The inspection was timed to coincide with the period when no water would flow into the canals owing to the installation of new crest gates.The experts, convened by the Karnataka Irrigation Corporation, include retired chief engineers Madhav, K Mohan, and SH Manjappa; tunnel specialist and former executive engineer KK Havaragi; geologist and former general manager of NHPL Umesh V Hegde; geologist and rehabilitation expert RK Jayagopal; a representative from Hutti gold mine; and SB Malligawad, superintendent engineer of the Munirabad circle of the Tungabhadra project.Sindhanur MLA Hampanagouda Badarli, who briefed the media about the visit, said the six-month interval presented an opportunity to address numerous issues on the 241-km-long canal, which irrigates 6.3 lakh acres in the state. "A detailed project report (DPR) amounting to Rs 430 crore has already been prepared for this initiative. Once the experts provide their report, the tender process will commence following cabinet approval. However, we have requested a grant of Rs 1,000 crore. This funding will enable the execution of many permanent works in the canal," he stated.The Papaiah tunnel, which currently conveys 4,200 cusecs of water along its 1-km length, could handle up to 5,000 cusecs if widened to reach the farthest section of the left bank. "It is estimated that at least Rs 100 crore will be necessary to widen this tunnel, and experts from the Hutti gold mine have been consulted for this task," Hampanagouda Badarli explained.During 1983-85, under chief minister Ramakrishna Hegde, the left-bank canal suffered multiple breaches. A committee led by Chinniwal and Subbarao oversaw repairs, restoring approximately 90% of the canal over 15 years at an estimated cost of Rs 1,600 crore. "However, several projects were still pending. Now, a plan has been initiated to complete those outstanding works," MLA Badarli stated.Expressing optimism that all 33 crest gates of the Tungabhadra dam would be installed by May next year, he added, "The state govt has already allocated Rs 10 crore. Given the pace at which the new gates are being constructed and the old gates are being dismantled, I am confident that everything will proceed as planned."The expert team is expected to undertake a two-day visit to Hitnal in Koppal district, Papaiah tunnel in Gangavathi taluk, and Raichur district, and deliver its report within a week.