Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accompanied by MLA H. R. Gaviyappa, state ministers, and other legislators, conducted a thorough inspection of the damaged site. In a press briefing, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of addressing the issue promptly to prevent further water loss, especially with the expectation of above-normal rains from August 17-18.
During his visit, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made it clear that restoring the damaged crest gate within 3-4 days is a top priority. He informed the public that experts and officials have been directed to expedite the repair process, ensuring that the dam can effectively store the anticipated rainfall. The repair work, which involves leading engineering firms such as Hindustan Engineering, Narayana Engineering and Jindal, is expected to be completed within this short timeframe.
To facilitate the repairs, the water level at the dam, currently at 1,629 feet, will be brought down to 1,621 feet, leaving 64 tmcft of water in reserve. This controlled reduction is necessary to ensure that the repair work can be carried out safely and efficiently.
The Chief Minister also highlighted that this was the first time in the dam’s 70-year history that such a breach had occurred. He pointed out that, based on expert advice, the chain links of the gates should be replaced every 50 years to avoid similar incidents in the future. The government, along with the Tungabhadra Board and representatives from all three states, is now focused on implementing these expert recommendations.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured farmers in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana that there is no immediate threat to their crops. With the repair work underway and water still flowing through all the canals, he emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring that the agricultural community does not suffer due to the breach.
He also addressed concerns about potential negligence, stating that the board, which manages the dam and is chaired by a Central Water Commission appointee, will investigate the incident. Any lapses in duty by the officials will be thoroughly examined.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister mentioned a detailed project report (DPR) worth approximately Rs 15,000 crore for the Navali balancing reservoir across the Tungabhadra River. This project, once approved by the board and the governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, is expected to significantly enhance water management in the region.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah took a firm stance against politicizing the issue, responding to criticism from the opposition BJP by clarifying that the dam’s management falls under the Tungabhadra Board, which is overseen by the central government. He stressed that the focus should remain on resolving the crisis rather than engaging in political blame games.
As the repair work progresses, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that the Tungabhadra Dam would be fully operational soon, allowing him to offer the traditional ‘Bagina’—a thanksgiving ritual to the river. His visit and the government’s prompt response reflect a commitment to safeguarding the region’s agricultural and water resources, ensuring that the lifeblood of the region continues to flow uninterrupted.