Karnataka CM Hails Historic Consensus On Tungabhadra Reservoir

Koppal: Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday said Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana had arrived at a consensus on measures to safeguard the interests of farmers dependent on the Tungabhadra reservoir, describing it as a "historic decision" reached after discussions among the three states.

Speaking at the inauguration of 33 newly installed spillway gates at the Tungabhadra Dam near Munirabad, Shivakumar said leaders of the three states had held detailed discussions on the future of the reservoir and the need to ensure water security for farmers in the Tungabhadra basin.

"Coming together is the beginning, discussing together is progress and working together is success. The three states have come together to protect the interests of farmers and the future of the reservoir," he said.

"We discussed various options, including the demand raised by farmer leaders to protect 33 TMC of water in the reservoir, the proposed Navali parallel reservoir and desilting works. After extensive deliberations, we have arrived at a unanimous decision. The details will be announced by Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil," Shivakumar added.

Calling the occasion a significant moment for southern India, Shivakumar said the cooperation between Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana reflected a shared commitment to protecting the interests of farmers.

Recalling the damage to Gate No. 19 of the reservoir last year, he said officials had alerted him about the situation at night and expressed concern over the safety of the dam.

"I was the water resource Minister then. I took a Chopper at 6 am and reached the dam at 8.30 am. We then decided what to do. In 15 days we changed the 19th gate and saved the crop here,” the Chief Minister recalled.

"The Opposition criticised me. But with the blessings of Sharada Devi, the miracle of Ajjayya, the grace of Hampi Virupaksha and the strength provided by Raghavendra Swamy, we were able to accomplish this important task," he said.

Describing farmers as the backbone of the country's food security, he said the governments were committed to protecting the livelihoods of those dependent on the Tungabhadra basin.

The CM said the state government later decided to replace all 33 spillway gates to strengthen the reservoir infrastructure and ensure its long-term safety.

Referring to Thursday's meeting of leaders from the three states, Shivakumar said the discussions would be remembered as an important step in inter-state cooperation on water management.

Shivakumar also recalled the history of the Tungabhadra project, noting that the idea of constructing a reservoir across the river had been proposed by British engineer Sir Arthur Cotton in the nineteenth century before the project eventually took shape after Independence.

Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy were among those present at the inauguration programme.