Mahabubnagar is facing a serious situation as heavy inflows into the Priyadarshini Jurala Project raise concerns about the dam’s safety. The dam’s crest gates have suffered damage, and neglected maintenance is causing anxiety about the security of downstream areas.
Out of the 64 radial crest gates, 11 are in bad condition. These gates have broken ropes and missing rubber seals, leading to uncontrolled water leakage downstream. With rising water levels, there is a growing fear of the dam structure failing.
Sources reveal that this problem is not recent. Four years ago, the government approved Rs. 11.40 crore for fixing these 11 gates and assigned the task to a private company. However, the company only repaired four gates before stopping work.
Last summer, officials issued new notices to the contractor, urging them to restart repairs. The company conducted only temporary fixes, blaming high water levels and increased inflows for their inability to complete full repairs. Consequently, the rest of the damaged gates remain at risk, while 12 gates have been opened to control the rising floodwaters upstream.
The Central Water Commission (CWC) has voiced its concerns, advising project officials to regularly inspect and maintain the gates. They warned that neglect could lead to severe outcomes. Experts worry that a gate failure might cause massive flooding downstream, submerging villages, ruining crops, and damaging the powerhouse, leading to significant financial losses for the government.
As the monsoon strengthens and floodwaters increase quickly, the need for urgent and lasting repairs is crucial. Civic activists and locals urge the state government and irrigation authorities to take immediate action to prevent a disaster.
