Irrigation expert inspects Srisailam dam, recommends crest gate replacement

Kannaiah Naidu says plunge pool did not currently endanger the dam’s stability, but emphasises the importance of proactive maintenance

Hyderabad: Renowned irrigation expert Kannaiah Naidu inspected the Srisailam dam on Sunday to evaluate reported leakages from its radial crest gates. The focus of his assessment was Gate No. 10, which exhibited a leakage rate of less than 10 per cent. Though he felt that the leakage poses no immediate threat to the dam, he strongly recommended replacement of the radial crest gates within the next five years.

Naidu’s inspection also addressed concerns about a plunge pool located approximately 60 metres from the reservoir. He said the plunge pool did not currently endanger the dam’s stability. Despite this, Naidu emphasised the importance of proactive maintenance, warning that failure to replace the aging crest gates could lead to challenges similar to those faced by the Tungabhadra dam last year.

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He maintained that the Srisailam dam, being a critical asset there should be no room for complacency in its maintenance.