A high-level team of nine specialists conducted a crucial inspection of the Tungabhadra Dam's left-bank canal on Tuesday, marking the start of a major assessment for planned repair works. The inspection was strategically timed to coincide with a period of no water flow, facilitated by the ongoing installation of new crest gates at the dam in Munirabad, Koppal taluk.
Expert Team Led by Retired Secretary Assesses Critical Infrastructure
The expert committee, convened by the Karnataka Irrigation Corporation, is headed by retired government secretary GT Chandrashekarappa. The team comprises seasoned professionals including retired chief engineers Madhav, K Mohan, and SH Manjappa. Specialized knowledge is provided by tunnel expert and former executive engineer KK Havaragi, geologist and former NHPL general manager Umesh V Hegde, and geologist and rehabilitation expert RK Jayagopal. The panel also includes a representative from the Hutti gold mine and SB Malligawad, the superintendent engineer of the Munirabad circle for the Tungabhadra project.
Sindhanur MLA Hampanagouda Badarli, who briefed the media, emphasized that the six-month window presents a golden opportunity to address long-standing problems on the vital 241-km-long canal. This canal is the lifeline for irrigation across 6.3 lakh acres of farmland in the state.
Massive Funding Sought for Permanent Canal Repairs
Badarli revealed that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) worth Rs 430 crore has already been prepared for the comprehensive repair initiative. "Once the experts submit their assessment report, the tender process will begin after cabinet approval," he stated. However, the MLA indicated that the actual requirement is higher, with a request for a grant of Rs 1,000 crore submitted to enable the execution of many permanent works on the canal.
A key focus of the upgrade is the Papaiah tunnel. Currently handling 4,200 cusecs of water along its 1-km stretch, experts believe it can be widened to carry up to 5,000 cusecs, thereby reaching the farthest sections of the left bank more effectively. "An estimated Rs 100 crore will be needed to widen this tunnel. For this technical task, we have consulted experts from the Hutti gold mine," Badarli explained.
Learning from Past Repairs and Looking Ahead
The left-bank canal has a history of vulnerabilities, suffering multiple breaches during 1983-85. Repairs overseen by a committee led by Chinniwal and Subbarao over 15 years restored about 90% of the canal at a cost of roughly Rs 1,600 crore. "Several projects remained pending from that effort. Now, we have initiated a plan to complete those outstanding works," the MLA added.
Expressing confidence in the concurrent crest gate replacement, Badarli said, "I am optimistic that all 33 crest gates of the Tungabhadra dam will be installed by May next year. The state government has already released Rs 10 crore. Given the current pace of constructing new gates and dismantling old ones, I am confident everything will proceed as planned."
The expert team is scheduled for a two-day field visit to Hitnal in Koppal district, the Papaiah tunnel in Gangavathi taluk, and Raichur district. They are expected to submit their crucial report within a week, paving the way for the long-awaited revitalization of this critical irrigation system.
