AP CM Naidu to Inaugurate New Gates of Tungabhadra Project on June 25
Amaravati, June 23 (TNT): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will inaugurate the newly installed spillway gates of the Tungabhadra Project on June 25, marking the completion of a major restoration and safety upgrade of the historic irrigation project.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil are expected to participate in the inauguration ceremony.
Considered a lifeline for large parts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, the 73-year-old Tungabhadra Project has undergone a comprehensive strengthening exercise with the installation of 33 new spillway gates at a cost of ₹51 crore.
The restoration work was taken up following the August 2024 floods, during which the dam’s 19th gate was washed away, triggering concerns over the safety of the structure and water management capabilities of the reservoir.
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, the Andhra Pradesh Government undertook emergency measures. Acting on the directions of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, a team led by senior engineer Kannayya Naidu installed a stop-lock gate to prevent further water loss.
Subsequently, the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) recommended the replacement of all spillway gates. Acting on the recommendations, the Governments of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka jointly completed the replacement of all 33 gates within six months.
The Tungabhadra Project provides irrigation and drinking water benefits to large parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana. In Andhra Pradesh, the project irrigates about 1.46 lakh hectares of agricultural land.
Through its Right Main Canal, the reservoir supplies irrigation water to Kurnool, Kadapa and Anantapur districts, making it a critical component of the region’s agricultural economy.
Officials said the successful completion of the gate replacement works would significantly enhance the safety, reliability and operational efficiency of the project while ensuring long-term water security for millions of people dependent on it.
Following the inauguration, the dignitaries will participate in a public meeting at Hospet.
The completion of the new gates is being viewed as a major milestone in safeguarding one of South India’s most important irrigation projects and strengthening its resilience against future flood events.
TNT KM
