From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Aug 11: Experts are being consulted on repair of Tungabhadra Dam gates after ensuring that interests of the three riparian states were not affected, said deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar in Bengaluru on Sunday.

Speaking to media persons near his residence, he said the main concern of the State Government was to protect the share of the three riparian states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.Shivakumar, who is also handling the Water Resources Department, pointed out that the technical experts have pointed out that the repairs to the damaged gates of Tungabhadra Dam could not be carried out without releasing the stored water.

“We are awaiting the report of the technical experts on finding an alternative to repairing the damaged gates without releasing the water,” he said.

The deputy chief minister pointed out that Gates 1 to 16 were being maintained by the Central Water Commission while Gates 17 to 32 were being looked after by the State Government.

He said the CWC has deputed its experts and the State Government has also enlisted its technical experts to review the situation.

“I have been in constant touch with Tungabhara Dam Board officials since Saturday and will be personally reviewing the situation,” he said.

Shivakumar said the chain link of Gate 19 had broken, which has led to large amount of water being flown.

He said the authorities have opened all the gates and have started releasing water into the river. The people around the lower parts of the river have already been issued a warning.

The deputy chief minister said farmers and the local people are also offering suggestions. “I will respect and hear the views of all persons. But ultimately, a decision will be taken after receiving the report of the technical experts. The interests of the farmers is more important as also the safety of the dam,” he added.