Tungabhadra Dam Gate Failure Causes Massive Water Release, Alert Sounded

Koppal: In a startling turn of events, the Tungabhadra dam experienced an unprecedented malfunction late Saturday evening when the chain mechanism on its 19th gate failed catastrophically. This failure triggered an uncontrolled release of water, with an estimated 35,000 cusecs surging into the river below. The incident marks a significant milestone in the dam’s seven-decade history, being the first major operational failure of its kind.

The Tungabhadra dam, a crucial infrastructure for water management and flood prevention, boasts a total of 33 gates designed to regulate water flow precisely. However, the damage to the 19th gate has created a complex challenge for engineers and officials. Onsite experts have determined that repair efforts cannot begin until a substantial volume of water – approximately 60 thousand million cubic feet (tmc feet) – is drained from the reservoir.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, local authorities sprang into action. Shivraj Tangadagi, who is also the district in-charge minister for Koppal, made a prompt visit to the dam site in the early hours of Sunday. His presence underscored the gravity of the incident and the need for immediate assessment and response.

As a precautionary measure and to mitigate potential risks stemming from the damaged gate, officials initiated a controlled release of water from all 33 gates of the Tungabhadra dam beginning Sunday morning. This strategic decision aims to distribute the water outflow more evenly and reduce stress on the compromised structure.

Currently, the dam is discharging water at a rate of about one lakh cusecs – a significant volume that serves the dual purpose of alleviating pressure on the damaged gate while simultaneously creating safer conditions for eventual repair work.