In a significant step towards modernizing a key irrigation structure, the installation of the 18th new crest gate at the Tungabhadra dam in Munirabad, Koppal taluk, was successfully completed this Wednesday evening. This marks a crucial milestone in the ongoing project to replace all the dam's aging gates.
Project Gains Momentum with First Gate Installed
The work on this specific gate began on December 24. According to officials from the Tungabhadra Board, the next phase involves installing the chain link for this gate, scheduled to start on Thursday. Once that is done, the gate will be tested for raising and lowering operations.
Activities are progressing simultaneously on both flanks of the dam. While one side focuses on the chain link work for the newly installed 18th gate, the other side is dedicated to cutting and removing the old crest gates. So far, workers have successfully cut and removed three of the old gates.
Accelerated Timeline and a Critical Delay
With the first of the new gates now installed, the Tungabhadra Board expects the pace of work to pick up substantially. Sources indicate that the subsequent gates could be installed at a rate of one gate every eight days. Following the 18th gate, work has already commenced on the 20th and 27th gates.
The urgency of the replacement project is underscored by the gates' exceeded lifespan. Originally designed to last for 45 years, the gates have been in service for an additional 25 years beyond that period. This delay in replacement had direct consequences, as the 19th gate was washed away last year due to its deteriorated condition.
Contract and Deadline for Complete Overhaul
To address the critical infrastructure need, the TB Board has committed to replacing all the gates by June of next year. A major contract worth Rs 52 crore has been awarded for this comprehensive task to the Ahmedabad-based Hardware Tools and Machinery Project Company. The project is now in full swing to ensure the dam's safety and operational efficiency for the future.
