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Plunge pool may pose a threat to Srisailam dam
Doubts are being expressed over the safety of Srisailam dam foundation as the state government kept the National Institute of Oceanography’s (NIO) underwater videography report under the wrap. The NIO studied the 200-ft-deep ditch formed on the river bed in plunge pool area. The government did not make public the report but went on record stating that there was no threat to the dam from the ditch.
Atmakur (Kurnool): Doubts are being expressed over the safety of Srisailam dam foundation as the state government kept the National Institute of Oceanography’s (NIO) underwater videography report under the wrap. The NIO studied the 200-ft-deep ditch formed on the river bed in plunge pool area. The government did not make public the report but went on record stating that there was no threat to the dam from the ditch.
Highlights:
- Retired engineers say 200-ft-deep ditch formed under water
- State govt did not disclose the NIO’s underwater videography report
However, retired engineers who know about the dam right from its construction stage and water resources experts have expressed apprehensions over the danger to the dam foundation because of the mother of all floods that occurred in 2009. The Srisailam dam project was built during 1963-1982 at a cost of Rs 500 crore. Water discharged from the dam crest gates jumps into the bucket area and raises to a height of 200 ft and lands at a distance of 300 meters. Under the pressure from the water, the 200-ft ditch was formed.
The dam safety committee inspected the ditch and recommended underwater videography. Currently, the ditch is under water. It is important to note whether the ditch is expanding towards the foundation of the dam or not. The officials kept mum on the incident. Therefore, criticism on safety of the dam became louder.
In 2009, the dam, with a height of 885 ft and a capacity to store 263 tmcft, experienced the most vigorous floods of River Krishna. At one stage, engineering officials expressed doubts whether the dam would collapse under the pressure from water. The dam safety committee expressed doubts whether the ditch is growing deep or expanding towards the foundation.
But, the government seems to be unmoved and not making public the NIO report. This is fuelling doubts over the dam safety.
However, the experts recommend concrete bed on the lines of the Polavaram project to avert any threat to the dam.
By M Sathya Peter
