Tungabhadra Dam gate replacement completed ahead of inauguration event

Koppal: Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy announced on Thursday that the replacement of crest gates at the Tungabhadra reservoir, including the 19th gate that was washed away during the 2024 monsoon, has been successfully completed. The project, which cost ₹51 crore, involved the installation of new gates designed to last 55 to 60 years.

The Minister visited Munirabad in Koppal district to oversee preparations for the inauguration of the newly installed gates. He also inspected arrangements at the Munirabad Government High School grounds, where the inaugural event is set to take place. Officials were instructed to ensure proper road connectivity, barricading, and traffic management for the occasion.

Mr. Reddy noted that the inauguration would be attended by Chief Ministers, Ministers, and legislators from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. The event is expected to serve as a platform for discussions on inter-State water-sharing issues related to the Tungabhadra reservoir.

He emphasized the State government’s commitment to resolving long-standing inter-State river disputes and ensuring that the interests of the region's people are safeguarded. The occasion will also provide an opportunity to deliberate on the proposed Navali balancing reservoir project and other mutually beneficial initiatives.

Key officials present during the Minister's visit included Lok Sabha Member from Koppal Rajasekhar Hitnal, Ballari Range Inspector General of Police P.S. Harsha, Koppal Deputy Commissioner Suresh Itnal, Koppal Superintendent of Police Ram L. Arasiddi, Additional Superintendent of Police Hemanth Kumar, and Assistant Commissioner Capt. Mahesh Malagitti.