Investigation Team Formed to Probe Tungabhadra Dam Gate Collapse

Bellary: In response to the recent collapse of the 19th crustgate of the Tungabhadra Dam on August 10, a specialised investigation team has been established. The team, led by former Central Water Commission (CWC) chairman AK Bajaj, aims to uncover the cause of the incident and propose measures to prevent similar issues in the future.

The investigation team comprises a group of technical experts, including dam gate specialists Harkesh Kumar and Tarapuram Sudhakar. In addition to these experts, representatives from the Technical Advisory Committees of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana have been included. This diverse team brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the task of examining the dam’s infrastructure.

The primary objective of the team is to determine the reasons behind the gate collapse. Their investigation will cover several key areas:

Frequency of Checks: The team will review how often inspections of the gates and chainlinks were conducted before and after the rainy season.
Crustgate History: They will assess the age of the crustgates, including the history of repairs and replacements. This evaluation will help identify if the gate was compromised due to age or maintenance issues.
Inspection of Remaining Gates: The team will inspect the remaining 32 crustgates to ensure their integrity and functionality.
Safe Water Storage Levels: Recommendations will be made regarding safe water storage levels to prevent undue pressure on the gates.
Absence of Stoplog Gate: The absence of a stoplog gate at the Tungabhadra Dam will also be evaluated. The team will suggest measures to address this issue and enhance the dam’s safety.

The investigation is expected to yield a comprehensive report within 15 days. The report will outline the findings regarding the gate collapse and include recommendations to prevent future incidents. These recommendations will likely focus on strengthening the existing gates, improving maintenance practices, and addressing any infrastructural shortcomings.

This incident is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first gate collapse in the 70-year history of the Tungabhadra Dam. The rarity of such occurrences highlights the critical need for a thorough investigation and the implementation of preventive measures to safeguard the dam’s structural integrity.

The establishment of this expert team underscores the seriousness with which the authorities are addressing the issue. By examining the incident in detail and proposing actionable solutions, the team aims to enhance the safety and reliability of the Tungabhadra Dam for future operations.