The gate number 19 was swept away by the intense floodwaters after a chain link snapped, according to a senior official.
Koppal: A gate of the Tungabhadra dam in Karnataka was washed away last night due to a snapped chain link, triggering a flood alert in downstream Koppal. Authorities immediately opened all but five of the dam’s gates to relieve pressure on the affected area, allowing the reservoir level to drop so that repairs could be made to Gate No. 19.
According to a report from PTI citing sources in the water resources department, the reservoir’s water level needs to be reduced from 105 TMC to between 65 and 55 TMC to facilitate the repair work.
The incident has also put areas in neighboring Andhra Pradesh on alert, with residents along the Krishna River being advised to remain vigilant and avoid crossing canals and streams.
Currently, the dam is discharging 89,000 cusecs of water, according to reports.
Koppal district in-charge Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We may have to release at least 60 to 65 TMC of water from the dam. The problem can be resolved only after 20 feet of water is released.”
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is en route to Koppal.
Although there is no immediate threat of flooding, residents have been cautioned to stay away from the Tungabhadra River due to the heavy discharge.
This marks the first significant issue at the dam in its 70-year history, according to reports.
