Koppal: One of the gates of the Tungabhadra dam in Karnataka was washed away last night due to the snapping of chain link. A flood alert was sounded in downstream Koppal as authorities immediately opened all except five dam gates to take off the pressure on just one. This would reduce the reservoir level to allow repair work of Gate number 19.
The water level in the reservoir is required to be reduced from 105 TMC to 65-55 carry out the repair work, news agency PTI reported citing sources in the water resources department.
The incident also put areas in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh on alert. Those living along the banks of Krishna River have been asked to keep vigil and avoid crossing canals and streams.
Currently, the dam is allowing 89,000 cusecs discharge, reports said.
Koppal district in-charge Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi said there is an urgency to empty the dam. "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," he said.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is on his way to Koppal.
While there's no fear of flooding currently despite an increase in water flow, people have been cautioned against venturing near the Tungabhadra river due to the heavy discharge from the dam.
Reports suggest this was the first major issue reported at the dam in 70 years since its construction.