TB Dam Gate Malfunction Raised in Council Debate

Fast Summary

• BJP members raised concerns in teh Karnataka Legislative Council regarding eight crest gates at Tungabhadra dam not functioning properly.
• These jammed crest gates (numbers 11, 18, 19, 20, 21, 27, and 28) have led to reduced water storage-currently only at 80 tmcft compared to the dam’s capacity of 105 tmcft.
• BJP’s Hemalatha Naik noted that crest gate number 33 also faced issues last year.
• House Leader N.S. Boseraju stated that ₹48 crores has been allocated for repairs and tenders have been floated. A new crest gate weighing 50 tonnes is on-site but hasn’t been installed due to rains.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The malfunctioning of Tungabhadra Dam’s crest gates raises concerns about infrastructure maintenance in vital water resources in Karnataka. Reduced storage capacity could impact irrigation and drinking water supply across regions dependent on the dam during critical times. Though,with ₹48 crores allocated and tender processes underway,this issue appears actively addressed by both state officials and the Board overseeing repairs-a reassuring detail for long-term reliability if executed effectively. Notably though, timely execution will be key given whether-related impediments cited as a delay factor here.

Read more: The Hindu