In a significant development for water management in the region, the Tungabhadra Dam is set to be fully equipped with its new set of crest gates well before the onset of the monsoon season. A recent high-level inspection has confirmed that the installation of all 33 gates is progressing rapidly and is slated for completion by the first week of May.
Ministerial Inspection and Progress Update
District Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi conducted a detailed inspection of the Tungabhadra Dam site in Munirabad, Koppal district, on Sunday. The visit aimed to assess the ongoing work of installing the new crest gates, a critical infrastructure project. During the inspection, former Tungabhadra Board secretary and Central Water Commission (CWC) director, ORK Reddy, provided a comprehensive progress report.
Reddy stated that the installation of Crest Gate 18 has been completed, while work on Gate 20 is nearly finished. He noted that the installation of Gate 27 might require an additional three days, and the process for Gate 4 has just commenced. Highlighting the increasing efficiency of the work, Reddy pointed out that while the first gate took nearly 10 days to install, the second was completed in just six days. The team's pace has consistently improved with each subsequent gate.
Round-the-Clock Efforts for Monsoon Deadline
Emphasizing the urgency, officials confirmed that work is being carried out around the clock, halting only on Sundays. This relentless schedule is designed to ensure the massive task is completed comfortably ahead of the monsoon rains. The new gates are crucial for the dam's operational efficiency and safety during the high-water season.
During the review meeting, Minister Tangadagi, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Suresh B Itnal, ZP CEO Varnit Negi, and other senior officials, discussed the overall progress in depth. The minister instructed the concerned authorities to accelerate the work as much as possible and ensure that the installation is foolproof, leaving no room for error.
Officials Present and Future Implications
The inspection was attended by key technical personnel responsible for the project's execution, including Superintendent Engineer Narayan Nayk, section officers G Kiran and Pampapati DK, along with KBJNL AEE Dharmaraj and SP Ram L Arasiddi.
The timely completion of this project is of paramount importance for water resource management in the region. The new crest gates will enhance the dam's capacity to regulate water flow effectively, ensuring better flood control and water storage for irrigation and other needs as the monsoon approaches.
