The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has issued a warning for residents living along the Krishna River to remain vigilant following the washing away of a gate from the Tungabhadra Dam in Karnataka. The incident, which occurred on Saturday night in Hospet, triggered a flood alert downstream at the Pampa Sagar Dam on the Tungabhadra River in Koppal, due to a significant release of water.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who oversees the water resource portfolio, visited the site and assured residents and farmers not to panic. He confirmed that restoration work is underway, with repairs assigned to experienced firms Narayana Engineering and Hindusthan Company. The repair work involves releasing around 60 to 65 TMC of water from the dam to address the damage, which requires the reservoir to be reduced from 105 TMC to between 65 and 55 TMC.
Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that the problem can only be resolved once the required amount of water is released. The APSDMA has advised people in Kurnool district’s Kosiri, Mantralayam, Nandavaram, and Kouthalam to exercise caution due to the intensified water flow. While there is currently no immediate risk of flooding downstream, residents are warned to avoid crossing canals and streams due to heavy outflow.
The dam has faced its most significant issue in 70 years, highlighting the critical nature of the repair efforts and the need for ongoing vigilance.