Chambal's dams have become old and dilapidated, only proposals for renovation after 60 years

4 sludge gates of Rajasthan's largest dam, Rana Pratap Sagar, are jammed and haven't been opened for 35 years. Renovation is to be done with World Bank funds.

- BHUPENDRA SHARMA

The nearly 60 year old Rana Pratap Sagar dam, Jawahar Sagar dam and Kota Barrage dams, built on the Chambal River often referred to as "always blue" have become old and dilapidated. Out of the total 21 gates of Rana Pratap Sagar (Rawatbhata), Rajasthan's largest dam, 17 are large, and 4 are sludge gates. These 4 sludge gates have not been opened in 37 years.

There isn't even a wire rope to open the dilapidated sludge gates, and there is continuous leakage, with smelly water coming through. Drinking water for the Rawatbhata area is supplied near these gates. Before conducting the health checkup of the gates, it was suggested that underwater videography is necessary to assess and repair the dams' structural integrity. One gate of the Rana Pratap Sagar Dam has previously gotten stuck. A proposal has been made to open the four sludge gates using hydraulic technology, but the work has yet to begin. This year, too, the sludge gates will remain closed because no executive agency is willing to work underwater.

According to the Water Resources Department, tenders for the renovation of the three Chambal dams Rana Pratap Sagar, Jawahar Sagar, and Kota Barrage will be reissued with new estimates. After three failed attempts at a tender worth Rs 183 crore, the cost of issuing new tenders will increase by 20%. Discussions are ongoing between the Water Resources Department, the World Bank, and the Central Water Commission.

New proposals have been sent to the Central Water Commission, and approval is pending.