Work at T’bhadra Dam may get delayed due to lack of funding: Expert

Munirabad (Koppal): Dam gate expert Kannaiah Naidu has cautioned that installation of new crest gates at Tungabhadra Dam may be delayed or even suspended due to the alleged failure of the Karnataka govt to release its share of funds for the project. Speaking to the media at the dam site on Thursday evening, Naidu said work is currently underway to replace all 33 crest gates, and any disruption in funding could adversely affect the pace of construction and the targeted completion of the project by June. He said he had inspected the work two days ago and was informed that the Karnataka govt, which had initially sanctioned Rs 10 crore as the first instalment of funding, later withdrew the amount. According to Naidu, contractors involved in the project said funds were not being released due to "book adjustments". He said he had raised the issue with the chief engineer of Karnataka, Neeravari Nigam, at Munirabad and urged the immediate release of funds to avoid delays. Naidu said he was inspecting the work, following instructions from the Andhra Pradesh govt. He pointed out that Andhra, the major beneficiary of the project, has already transferred its share of Rs 35 crore to the Karnataka treasury. He expressed concern over what he termed as a lack of cooperation from the Karnataka govt, adding that contractors raised serious concerns over lack of funding. Explaining how the issue came to light, Naidu said at the current pace of installing four gates every month, it would be impossible to complete the work by June. When he suggested increasing the number of installation teams from two to four, contractors cited financial constraints. Responding to these complaints, chief engineer of the Central Irrigation Zone, Laxman Nayak, said he was not aware of the withdrawal of the Rs 10 crore grant and would clarify the matter after obtaining the details. Meanwhile, BJP state executive member Dr Basavaraj Kyavater has alleged that the withdrawal of funding would delay the project and impact farmers dependent on the dam. JD(S) state core committee member CV Chandrashekhar also criticised the move and announced plans for further protests involving his party functionaries.