Koppala, June 19: The problem of the crust gate of Tungabhadra Dam, which broke and caused concern in nine districts of three states, has now been resolved permanently.
A total of 33 gates of the reservoir have been successfully replaced and the countdown to the inauguration has begun. On June 25, the Chief Ministers of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will jointly inaugurate these new gates.
The 19th crest gate of the Tungabhadra reservoir, which is the lifeline of not only four districts of Karnataka but also the neighboring states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, was washed away on August 10, 2024. After this incident, the technical committee had instructed to replace all 33 gates of the reservoir. Accordingly, this important work was undertaken at a cost of about Rs. 51 crore and has been successfully completed. These new crest gates will last for the next 55 to 60 years, Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy has informed.
Minister Ramalinga Reddy, who visited the reservoir near Munirabad in Koppal taluk on Thursday in the wake of the public dedication program, inspected the quality of the work. Later, he inspected the huge stage being prepared at the High School Ground in Munirabad, the traffic system, the installation of barricades and the precautionary measures taken for the convenience of the public, and gave necessary directions to the officials.
The Chief Ministers, Ministers and people’s representatives of the three states will participate in the historic ceremony. It has also been decided to hold consultations at this stage on the negotiations to be held with the Central Government, especially on the construction of Mekedatu, Mahadayi and Navali parallel reservoirs. Koppal MLA Raghavendra Hitnal said that despite the opposition BJP making a series of allegations in this regard, the speedy completion of the work shows the commitment of our government.
Overall, the inauguration of the new crest gates of the Tungabhadra reservoir is not just the inauguration of a work, but is a platform for an important discussion on the future of water distribution and irrigation in the three states. In addition, it is a moment of joy for the people and farmers of the nine districts of the three states.