Tungabhadra Dam Gate Break Causes Uncontrolled Water Release, Triggering High Alert in Karnataka Districts

In a concerning development, gate number 19 of the Tungabhadra Dam in Hosapete, Ballari district broke around 11 PM, leading to an uncontrolled release of water. The chain link securing the gate has snapped, rendering the gate invisible, with an estimated 1,00,000 cusecs of water flowing out from the damaged gate.

Following an emergency meeting with MLAs, MPs, and Tungabhadra Board experts, it has been decided that between 2,00,000 to 3,00,000 cusecs of water will be released into the river to manage the situation. Authorities have issued a high alert for the districts of Ballari, Koppal, Hospet, and Raichur, warning residents to take necessary precautions.

As of now, 33 gates of the dam have been opened from Sunday morning after the Saturday night incident to manage the water flow. According to a statement from a Koppal district incharge minister Shivraj Tangadagi, approximately 65 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water needs to be released before any repair work on gate number 19 can commence.

The situation is being closely monitored as officials work to mitigate the risks associated with the broken gate and the subsequent water release.

This marks the first significant incident in 70 years. Officials on-site have indicated that restoration efforts can only begin after releasing approximately 60 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water from the dam. The Tungabhadra Dam is equipped with a total of 33 gates.