Urgent Repairs Underway for Damaged Pampa Sagar Dam Gate: Karnataka DCM

The Pampa Sagar Dam on the Tungabhadra River has suffered damage after its 19th gate was swept away. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced that two contractor firms have been approached to repair the gate. Authorities are releasing 38,000 cusecs of water to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to mitigate potential damage.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday revealed that two contractor firms have been enlisted to repair the damaged gate of Pampa Sagar Dam on the Tungabhadra River.

The DCM, who inspected the site following the incident, indicated potential damage to the dam's structure after its 19th gate was swept away.

'We have briefed two experienced contractors and provided them with the necessary designs. Their team visited the site at night, and they are working on restoring the gate,' Shivakumar, who oversees the Water Resources portfolio, informed reporters.

At approximately 12:50 am on Sunday, the dam's crest gate was swept away, as per the DCM.

With the structure at risk, all gates were opened to release 38,000 cusecs of water to neighboring Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The inflow stands at 28,000 cusecs, according to Shivakumar.

Notifications were sent to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regarding the water release. 'Of the 38,000 cusecs being released, 35,000 is flowing directly from the 19th gate itself,' added the DCM.

The dam, over 70 years old, irrigates 12 lakh acres and is managed by Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Shivakumar mentioned that 63 TMC to 65 TMC of water capacity is available to facilitate gate repairs.

Out of the mandated 90 TMC to be released, 25 TMC has already been discharged since the gate breakage.

The state governments are collaboratively addressing the situation, and residents within two kilometers of the river have been advised to remain vigilant and stay clear of the area.

'This is an emergency, and we will not permit anyone to visit the site. It's a technical issue, and this dam is national property. We are committed to safeguarding it,' stated the DCM.

Initially, Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah planned to offer 'Bagina' to the river; however, this has now been postponed.

In response to a question, Shivakumar said the government will not hold any official accountable as all are performing well. 'Accidents happen, but our priority is to resolve this issue,' he added.