Irrigation expert N. Kannayya Naidu calls for immediate strengthening of gates and seals to extend dam’s lifespan by 20–30 years.
Kurnool: AP government adviser N. Kannayya Naidu, an irrigation engineering expert, on Sunday warned against any delay in strengthening the Srisailam dam and repairing its gates to ensure the long-term safety of the project.
Naidu clarified that there was no threat to the structure from the damage sustained by the plunge pool, which is located 60 metres away from the dam’s base. He was speaking after visting various components of the project on Sunday.
He wanted the rusted seals replaced and gates repainted to prevent the dam from deteriorating further. He noted that only about 10 per cent discharge has been occurring from Gate 10, which is allowable and could be disregarded. He noted that the gates had not been painted for 15 years.
Naidu underlined that storing water without leakage may not be possible with the existing rusted and worn seals. He pointed out that the gates had been erected manually 40 years ago and only five years of their safe life was left. Repairs were thus a matter of urgency to extend the lifespan of the dam’s gates.
Referring to the Tungabhadra Dam, whose gates have remained functional for 70 years due to proper upkeep, the irrigation expert advised the AP government to prioritise maintenance to ensure that Srisailam can safely store water for 20-30 years.
On replacement of the gates, he underlined that it would be a Herculean task. In the interim, timely maintenance will help avoid major issues. He observed that powerhouses within the dam premises could face greater risks than the dam structure itself if cracks develop.
Naidu said he would soon submit a detailed report to the government on the overall condition of Srisailam dam.
Naidu recalled that in 2009, Krishna River had witnessed a severe flood, with water levels rising over nine feet above the full reservoir level (FRL). As a result, 1.13 lakh cusecs of water had been released from each gate. This is had created the plunge pool, as the discharge had been 178 per cent above normal.
Senior officials of the Srisailam dam accompanied the irrigation expert during the latter’s inspection of different components of the project.
