Defective Tungabhadra reservoir gates spark farmers’ outrage as huge volumes flow into Andhra Pradesh

Farmers in north Karnataka are alarmed as defective Tungabhadra reservoir gates allow huge water volumes to flow into Andhra Pradesh, threatening irrigation for a second paddy crop and sparking political blame over inaction.

Koppal: Despite heavy inflows into the Tungabhadra reservoir this monsoon, defects in several crust gates have once again created panic among farmers in north Karnataka, as water continues to escape uncontrollably downstream, largely benefiting Andhra Pradesh.
The 19th crust gate of the reservoir had washed away last year, resulting in a massive loss of stored water. A temporary gate was installed, but it has been leaking ever since. Now, six more crust gates, the 11th, 18th, 20th, 24th, 27th, and the 28th, have developed structural problems, making it impossible to release or regulate water through them. Officials warned that any attempt to force open the gates could lead to a complete breakage. The fourth crust gate too has developed a fault and can only be raised by two feet.

The Tungabhadra reservoir, with a total storage capacity of 105.788 TMC feet, has managed to collect only 80 TMC feet this season. Since July, nearly 130 TMC feet of water has already flowed out through the river, with much of it reaching Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Farmers in Koppal, Raichur, Vijayanagar, and Bellary are alarmed that, once again, Karnataka farmers will be left with just enough water for one paddy crop instead of the two they traditionally relied on.

Koppal District In-charge Minister and ICC Irrigation Advisory Committee Chairman, Shivaraj Thangadagi, admitted that water mismanagement had left farmers vulnerable.

“Because of the bent gates, water cannot be stored. Instead, it is flowing freely into Andhra Pradesh. We are releasing water in large quantities through the remaining gates. All the damaged gates will be replaced,” he assured.

However, opposition leaders blamed the government for dragging its feet. “If the government had replaced the gates last summer itself, the crisis would not have worsened. Now six gates are bent, and the reservoir’s safety is at risk,” said MLA Janardhana Reddy.

Meanwhile, Tungabhadra board technical officer Raghavendra admitted that the 19th gate continues to leak. “The high water speed and wave force prevent it from closing fully, but we will ensure the leakage is stopped,” he said.

For farmers in north Karnataka, however, the reassurances are too little, too late. With water slipping downstream to Andhra Pradesh, they fear losing yet another crop season a recurring crisis that they believe reflects neglect by both the State government.