Srisailam dam plunge pool survey completed, underwater videography reveals critical issues

An expert team completed an underwater survey of Srisailam Dam’s plunge pool, highlighting structural threats due to erosion. The operation documented damage and voids caused by spillway discharge. A final report on the findings is due by July 15.

Hyderabad: A comprehensive underwater survey of the Srisailam Dam’s plunge pool was completed by an expert team from Sea Lion Offshore Diving Pvt. Ltd, on Thursday.

The 13-day operation was carried out by a team of eight divers and eight helpers to assess the extent of the damage to the plunge pool. The focus of the exercise was primarily on the critical area downstream of the dam’s spillway, which has raised serious concerns regarding the dam’s structural stability.

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The survey, which involved detailed photo and video documentation of the plunge pool’s condition, was initiated to evaluate the depth and extent of a large void that has formed due to years of water erosion.

The plunge pool, with a massive crater created by the discharge of water at high pressure from the dam’s spillway, has been identified as a potential threat to the overall stability of the structure.

The team focused on examining the damaged steel cylinders installed to prevent further scouring, as well as assessing the overall condition of the plunge pool.

The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), which inspected the dam a month ago, had urged the Andhra Pradesh government to address the plunge pool issues under a time-bound programme. The Sea Lion Offshore Diving team is expected to submit a detailed report based on the collected data by July 15.