The inauguration of 33 newly installed spillway gates at the Tungabhadra Dam marks a significant milestone in strengthening water security and improving irrigation infrastructure for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The modernisation of the decades-old gates is expected to enhance reservoir operations, improve dam safety and ensure more reliable water availability for millions of people dependent on the Tungabhadra basin.
The new spillway gates were inaugurated in the presence of Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Patil, Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri D.K. Shivakumar, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, and Chief Minister of Telangana Shri A. Revanth Reddy, reflecting a collaborative approach towards addressing inter-State water management challenges.
Addressing the gathering, Telangana Chief Minister Shri A. Revanth Reddy described the replacement of all 33 spillway gates as a landmark achievement that would help address long-standing water shortages affecting farmers across Ballari, Anantapur, Kurnool and the Palamuru (Mahabubnagar) region. He said the modernisation of the reservoir infrastructure would strengthen irrigation and help reduce the recurring distress and migration experienced in water-scarce areas of the basin.
Emphasising the importance of cooperative federalism, Shri Reddy noted that the presence of leaders from the three riparian States on a common platform demonstrated a shared commitment to finding lasting solutions to regional water challenges. He stressed that sustained coordination among the States would be essential for ensuring equitable and efficient management of the Tungabhadra’s water resources.
The Telangana Chief Minister also highlighted issues affecting the Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme (RDS), where farmers in Gadwal, Alampur and Palamuru have faced difficulties in fully utilising their allocated water. He pointed to silt accumulation in the reservoir and other operational constraints as factors impacting water availability and called for coordinated efforts to resolve these issues in the interest of farming communities.
The event also reinforced the importance of Centre-State cooperation in water governance. Union Minister for Jal Shakti Shri C.R. Patil joined the inauguration along with the Chief Ministers, underscoring the Centre’s commitment to strengthening critical water infrastructure and supporting collaborative management of shared river systems.
Originally constructed through inter-State cooperation, the Tungabhadra Dam continues to play a vital role in irrigation, drinking water supply and regional development across southern India. The installation of the new spillway gates is expected to improve the reservoir’s operational efficiency and reliability while contributing to the long-term sustainability of water resources in the basin.
The leaders expressed confidence that the collaborative efforts demonstrated through the Tungabhadra project would serve as a model for resolving other inter-State water issues and promoting integrated river basin management across the country.
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