High Alert in Karnataka: Flood Risk Escalates After Pampa Sagar Dam Gate Breaks; Authorities Issue Urgent Warnings

 

A high alert has been issued in parts of Karnataka after one of the gates of the Pampa Sagar dam on the Tungabhadra River broke on Saturday night

Koppal, Karnataka, August 12, 2024 — A high alert has been issued in parts of Karnataka after one of the gates of the Pampa Sagar dam on the Tungabhadra River broke on Saturday night, leading to an urgent flood warning for downstream areas. The incident, which occurred due to the snapping of a chain link on the 19th crust gate of the dam, has prompted the authorities to take immediate measures to manage the situation and prevent potential flooding.

Dam Gate Failure Leads to Flood Alert

The chain failure led to the uncontrolled release of a large volume of water from the dam, which has a current capacity of 105 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet). In response to the situation, the Water Resources Department has decided to lower the reservoir's water level to between 65 and 55 TMC to facilitate emergency repair work on the damaged gate. This move is aimed at reducing the risk of flooding and ensuring the safety of the surrounding communities.

Authorities Rush to Address the Crisis

Koppal district in-charge Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi, who visited the dam to assess the situation, emphasized the urgency of releasing water to bring down the water level by at least 20 feet. "We may have to release at least 60 to 65 TMC water from the dam. The problem can be resolved only after 20 feet of water is released. Hence, there is an urgency to empty the dam," Tangadagi stated, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

The Water Resources Department has taken swift action by opening all gates of the dam except five to expedite the water release and ensure the safe execution of repair works. The current outflow stands at a staggering 89,000 cusecs of water, with the department working around the clock to stabilize the situation.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on the Ground

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also holds the Water Resources portfolio, has rushed to Koppal to oversee the response efforts personally. His presence underscores the gravity of the situation and the state's commitment to ensuring that the dam's structural integrity is restored without delay.

Despite the massive outflow of water, authorities have assured the public that there is no immediate threat of flooding in downstream areas. However, residents have been strongly advised to stay away from the riverbanks due to the increased water flow, which poses significant safety risks.

A First in Seven Decades

The incident marks the first major problem at the Pampa Sagar dam in its 70-year history. Built on the Tungabhadra River, the dam has been a critical infrastructure component for water management and irrigation in the region. The current crisis has prompted the Water Resources Department to revisit the original design and construction plans to guide the repair process and prevent future occurrences.

Andhra Pradesh on High Alert

The repercussions of the dam gate failure have extended beyond Karnataka, with the neighboring state of Andhra Pradesh issuing a cautionary alert to its residents. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has warned people living along the banks of the Krishna River to remain vigilant, particularly in areas downstream of the Tungabhadra dam.

R. Kurmanadh, Managing Director of APSDMA, highlighted the intensity of the floodwaters, which caused the chain link to wash away. In a press release, Kurmanadh stated that approximately 35,000 cusecs of floodwaters had already flowed downstream, with a total discharge of 48,000 cusecs expected.

"People in Kurnool district’s Kosigi, Mantralayam, Nandavaram, and Kouthalam should exercise caution," Kurmanadh advised. He also urged residents along the Krishna River to avoid crossing canals and streams, given the potential for sudden surges in water levels.

The situation at the Pampa Sagar dam remains fluid, with authorities working diligently to manage the crisis and mitigate the risks of flooding. As the repair work progresses, the state government is expected to provide continuous updates to keep the public informed. Residents in the affected areas are urged to follow official warnings and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.