NDSA chief to visit Srisailam on Telangana’s plea

Officials to assess growing void in the plunge pool area, which is causing concern about the dam's structural integrity

Hyderabad: Officials of the National Dam Safety Authority will be visiting the Srisailam project as part of a stock taking mission by the end of April. Led by NDSA chairman, they are expected to assess the growing void in the plunge pool area, which is causing concern about the dam’s structural integrity.

Highlighting the precarious conditions of the dam, the Telangana government had written to the Ministry of Jal Shakti in February, urging immediate intervention and support for necessary measures to address the issue. Responding to the State’s plea, the Ministry has deputed the team with focus on taking up repairs and completing them before the onset of monsoon.

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Telangana’s irrigation officials are keen on engaging with the NDSA chief to formulate an action plan for ensuring the dam’s safety and sustainability. The Srisailam project, as part of the post bifurcation arrangements, continued to be under the operational control of Andhra Pradesh. Its maintenance issues had become a source of concern.

The Nagarjuna Sagar Project, which was under the operational control of Telangana, was taken care of by the previous BRS government with timely allocation of funds. However after the November 2023 confrontation between the security forces of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh at the dam site, the CRPF has taken over the protection of the dam. Despite concerns over access to the project under the surveillance of Central forces, the dam maintenance continued to be with the Telangana. The Srisailam Dam is a joint project of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, supporting irrigation, hydropower generation, and drinking water supply.