The state government has announced that water will not be released from the Tungabhadra reservoir for the second crop season due to the installation of new crest gates.
Speaking to reporters after the Irrigation Advisory Committee meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, Koppal district in-charge minister Shivaraj Tangadagi said the decision was taken unanimously, following the Centre’s directive, recommendations of the Tungabhadra Board, and inputs from legislators and farmer representatives from four districts. “With 33 new gates being installed, water cannot be supplied for the second crop,” he said.
He emphasised that while the government prioritises farmers’ interests, safeguarding the dam structure is equally important. Leaders from Koppal, Raichur, Vijayanagar, and Ballari districts agreed to the decision in the meeting, he added.
The installation work on all 33 crest gates will begin in the second week of December and is expected to conclude by the end of June. The contract has been awarded to a Gujarat-based firm. Minor repair works on canals and dam maintenance will also be taken up during this period.
The reservoir currently holds 75 tmcft of water. To prevent damage to standing crops, water will continue to be released until January 10. During summer, water will be stored for drinking needs by replenishing lakes, tanks, and other sources.
Water distribution is being regulated based on current storage levels. Between December 1 and January 10, about 3,000 cusecs will be released into the Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal for standing crops. From January 1 to May 10, 150 cusecs will be supplied to the Vijayanagar Left Bank Canal through distributary canals 1 to 11E, officials said.