Tungabhadra Dam & Inter-State Water Cooperation
Context
The inauguration of 33 new spillway gates at the Tungabhadra Dam reflects cooperative federalism among Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh despite continuing disputes over the Upper Bhadra Project.
Key Highlights
- Tungabhadra Dam is located in Koppal district, Karnataka.
- Irrigates nearly 16.4 lakh acres across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
- A crest gate was damaged during heavy floods in August 2024 and has now been replaced with durable steel gates.
- Siltation has reduced the reservoir’s storage capacity from 133 TMC ft to about 106 TMC ft.
- The Upper Bhadra Lift Irrigation Project remains a contentious issue between Karnataka and downstream states.
Way Forward
- Prioritise preventive maintenance of dams instead of post-disaster repairs.
- Accelerate dam rehabilitation and periodic safety audits.
- Resolve interstate disputes through dialogue and institutional mechanisms.
Concepts
Tungabhadra River: Major tributary of the Krishna River formed by the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers.
Siltation: Deposition of sediments that reduces reservoir storage.
Dam Safety Act, 2021: Establishes institutional mechanisms for dam safety, including the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA).
Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956: Provides for adjudication of river water disputes through tribunals.
