Two companies have been appointed to repair the damaged gate of Pampa Sagar Dam: DCM DK Shivakumar
Vartha Bharati | November 8, 2024 | 20:44:00 IST
Koppal (Karnataka), August 11: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday said two contractors had been approached to repair the damaged gate of the Pampa Sagar Dam on the Tungabhadra river.
The DCM, who visited the accident site, said there was a possibility that the dam was damaged after its 19th gate was washed away.
“We have informed two experienced contractors about it and submitted plans to them. Their team also visited the spot during the night. They are also trying to restore the gate of the dam,” Shivakumar, who is in-charge of the water resources department, told reporters here.
According to him, the crown gate of the dam was washed away at around 0.50 a.m. on Sunday.
ALSO READ: CM Siddaramaiah examines Tungabhadra dam damage, plans on-site inspection
Since there was a possibility of damage to the dam structure, all the sluice gates have been opened from which 38,000 cubic feet of water is being diverted to the neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the DCM said, adding that the inflow is 28,000 cubic feet per second.
Neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have also been informed about the water release, the DCM said. He also said of the 38,000 cubic feet of water being released, 35,000 will flow from the 19th Gate itself.
Shivakumar said the over 70-year-old dam irrigates 12 lakh acres of land. There is a separate authority for this dam, which is managed by three states – Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
He said that currently 63 to 65 TMC of water could be stored to repair the broken gate of the dam.
Of the 90 TMC of water that was supposed to be released into the neighboring state, 25 TMC were already released after the gate was opened.
He said the governments of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are working together after the gate gave way. People within a two-kilometre radius have been advised to remain alert and not venture near the river.
“There is an emergency situation, we will not let anyone here. There is a technical aspect and this dam is national property. We will work to protect this dam,” the DCM said.
He also said that he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had earlier planned to offer Bagina to the river, but this has now been postponed.
In response to a question, the DCM said the government would not blame any official as everyone had done a good job.
“Sometimes such accidents happen. Our first task is to solve this problem,” said Shivakumar.
Get the latest Karnataka news in just a click. CLICK HERE to get all the latest Karnataka news.
Let the truth come out. If you read and like VB, support VB and help us bring the truth to everyone.
