Karnataka: DK Shivakumar Calls for Overhaul of Tungabhadra Dam Gates
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2024-09-23 05:26 GMT
Koppal: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who also holds the Water Resources portfolio, emphasized the urgent need to replace all the gates of the 70-year-old Tungabhadra Dam, which serves the states of Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Shivakumar made this announcement during a function on Sunday, held to honor officials and staff for their swift installation of a stoplog after the dam's 19th gate was washed away.
"The Chief Minister and I have discussed this matter. We will soon engage in talks with the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, as well as the Board, to seek their input. Once the water recedes, all gates of the reservoir will be replaced within a year, ensuring better support for farmers," Shivakumar stated, receiving applause from the gathered audience.
The Deputy CM also highlighted the need for constructing a parallel reservoir, the Navali (Balancing) Reservoir, which will require around 15,000 acres of land. He shared that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for this project is ready and called for cooperation from the local farmers.
Shivakumar acknowledged the concern of farmers after the 19th spillway gate was washed away on August 10, reassuring them that the government acted promptly to conserve water and praised the dedicated efforts of all those involved in the installation of the stop gate.
Speaking at the event, Minister for Backward Class Welfare, Kannada, and Culture, Shivaraj Tangadagi, lauded the government's quick response in repairing the gate and stressed the need to replace all 33 crest gates of the dam to ensure the safety and livelihood of local farmers.
The event was presided over by MLA K Raghavendra Hittanal, who also underscored the importance of the dam’s role in supporting agriculture in the region.
"The Chief Minister and I have discussed this matter. We will soon engage in talks with the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, as well as the Board, to seek their input. Once the water recedes, all gates of the reservoir will be replaced within a year, ensuring better support for farmers," Shivakumar stated, receiving applause from the gathered audience.
The Deputy CM also highlighted the need for constructing a parallel reservoir, the Navali (Balancing) Reservoir, which will require around 15,000 acres of land. He shared that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for this project is ready and called for cooperation from the local farmers.
Shivakumar acknowledged the concern of farmers after the 19th spillway gate was washed away on August 10, reassuring them that the government acted promptly to conserve water and praised the dedicated efforts of all those involved in the installation of the stop gate.
Speaking at the event, Minister for Backward Class Welfare, Kannada, and Culture, Shivaraj Tangadagi, lauded the government's quick response in repairing the gate and stressed the need to replace all 33 crest gates of the dam to ensure the safety and livelihood of local farmers.
The event was presided over by MLA K Raghavendra Hittanal, who also underscored the importance of the dam’s role in supporting agriculture in the region.