Vijayanagar, May 3 (IANS). Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Irrigation Minister D.K. Shivakumar said on Sunday that the work of replacing 33 crest gates of Tungabhadra Dam is almost complete and officials have been directed to prepare for its inauguration on May 15.
“All 33 new gates of Tungabhadra Dam have been installed and now only a little work is left,” Shivkumar told reporters after inspecting the work of installing 33 new gates at the dam. Instructions have been given to complete it by May 7 and prepare for the inauguration on May 15.
He said, “Today is a very happy day. Livelihood of 7.50 lakh farmers has been secured. Those who criticized us have got their answer today. The decision we had taken has yielded results. Farmers from four districts will be invited to the program. Currently there is 10.50 TMC water in the dam. If it rains, 44 TMC water will be filled in two months. So far Rs 54 crore has been spent and this expenditure is being borne by both the states in the ratio of 64:34.
“The dam administration has been given autonomy and we have ensured that there is no interference,” he said. The work of installing 33 gates is a model for the country. The whole country was watching this work. When the 19th Crest Gate was damaged, we took the advice of experts and worked under their guidance.”
He further said, “Apart from this, Rs 300 crore has been given for the security of other projects. Even though the chains were shown to be correct, I have ordered replacement. This work has been given to an organization in Chennai. The first batch of chains will arrive soon. Farmers and people are happy with this work. These gates will work without any problem for the next 50 years.
He said, “Farmers understood our situation and sacrificed one of their crops. I salute their cooperation. Those who make political criticism only speak out of habit, because they have never done such a thing. With this work we have silenced the critics.
On the question of Nawali Balancing Reservoir and removal of silt, he said, “Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister is not giving us time on this issue. We also have a proposal to pump the water and store it somewhere else. Andhra CM is not coming forward for discussion at the board level. They are getting more water now, so they are not taking interest. Whatever decision is taken, it will be taken in the board.
On the question of removing silt on the China model, he said, “It is not an easy task to remove silt and dump it somewhere else.” It will have to be given to private companies and they will work only when it is profitable. Where will the removed silt be dumped? A global tender will have to be floated for this.
On the question of increasing the height of the dam, he said, “We are not touching this issue. We are looking for ways to save water within the existing system.”
On the question of 86,000 files pending in the state, he said, “The Chief Minister has discussed it in the cabinet and has given instructions to dispose of all the files soon.”
–IANS
AMT/DKP
