30-05-2025
TB dam's storage to be limited to 80 tmc
Koppal: The storage of Tungabhadra reservoir at Munirabad will be restricted to 80 tmc (thousand million cubic feet) this season due to the replacement of crest gate 19 by July, Koppal MP K Rajashekar Hitnal said.
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This is against its full capacity of 101 tmc, supporting only one crop cycle.
On August 10 last year, spillway gate no. 19 was displaced. Following the stop log gate installation a week later, the dam's water level decreased from 93 tmc to 70 tmc, Hitnal said on Thursday.
The stop log gate installation was completed through the joint efforts of govt engineers, technicians and crest gate specialist N Kannaiah Naidu. He acknowledged the support from Jindal Steels, Hindustan Steels and Narayana Steels in providing the stopgap gate and technical assistance.
A technical committee under the Tungabhadra Board, led by former central water commission chairman AK Bajaj, assessed the dam and recommended safety measures. Subsequently, NDSA president Anil Jain examined the dam, suggesting minimal water levels during non-destructive testing (NDT) for thorough evaluation, according to Hitnal.
Private firm KSNDT conducted tests, including dye penetration and ultrasonic examinations, on all 33 crest gates and submitted findings on March 25.
Their assessment revealed a 40-50% gate thickness reduction from original specifications, suggesting complete gate replacement.
Following Naidu's inspection, reinforcement of crest gate frame connections was advised. As complete gate replacement isn't possible this year, water levels must be maintained 12 to 15 feet above spill level, ensuring water availability for single crop cultivation and drinking needs, MP Hitnal said.
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As per safety guidelines, 2025-26 storage must not exceed 80 tmc and 1,626.06 feet, pending Tungabhadra Board approval.
Hitnal said Ahmedabad-based M/s Hardware Tools and Machinery Pvt Ltd will replace Gate 19 for Rs 1.7 crore (excluding GST) by July 2025. Additionally, a Rs 51.9 crore tender was issued on April 17 for replacing the remaining 32 spillway gates within 15 months.
