Safety of Srisailam dam at risk; experts flag need for repairs

A crater that has formed over the years in the plunge pool area of the Srisailam dam on the borders of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh poses a threat to the safety of the dam unless urgent repairs are carried out on a war footing, experts said.

- Srinivasa Rao Apparasu

HYDERABAD:

Water being released from the dam, which is 145 metres high and is built across the Krishna river, has created a large crater due to the impact of the water gushing out of the crest gates at high pressure.

On March 6, National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) chairman Atul Jain asked the Andhra Pradesh irrigation department to carry out repairs on a war-footing before the end of May, to prevent further damage during the coming monsoon.

He said the responsibility for maintenance, and safety of the Srisailam dam rested with Andhra Pradesh and warned that if repairs were not carried out immediately, it could pose a danger to the dam itself.