Scientists commence survey of Srisailam plunge pool

The team’s findings will be crucial for the urgent repairs ordered by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) to safeguard the structural integrity of this vital project

Hyderabad: A team of six scientists from the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) in Pune arrived at the Srisailam project on Tuesday to conduct a critical two-day inspection of its plunge pool, where a major crater has been formed due to relentless water impact. The team’s findings will be crucial for the urgent repairs ordered by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) to safeguard the structural integrity of this vital project.

The inspection, which began today, would focus on analysing the factors that led to crater formation and its potential risks to the dam’s foundation. The team’s comprehensive survey will evaluate the structural health of the plunge pool and identify the extent of repair needs. The dam engineers and irrigation department officials from both the Telugu States are closely monitoring the process. They are hopeful that the findings will shape a strategic plan to address the damage and prevent further deterioration.

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Continuous water discharges over the years have eroded the concrete and steel cylinder drums, creating a large crater that threatens the dam’s long-term stability. To assess the damage, the CWPRS team is employing advanced underwater videography, enabling a detailed examination of the submerged structures. Precise data will be gathered on the extent of erosion and the condition of the plunge pool’s components, using cutting-edge technique. The focus will be on the aspects related to dissipating the energy of water released from the dam.

Preliminary reports suggest that the erosion may require extensive repairs, including reinforcing the concrete lining and replacing damaged steel drums to restore the plunge pool’s functionality, according to officials. The Srisailam dam, a joint project of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, has been operational since the 1980s.

It is a critical asset for power generation and water management in the region. However, years of high-velocity water discharges have taken a toll, raising alarms among experts. Official reports from the CWPRS team are likely to be submitted within a week, detailing the scope of repairs and estimated timelines.