Article 1: Sharing waters
Why in news: The Tungabhadra Dam is in the news after the inauguration of 33 new spillway gates, renewed inter-State cooperation, concerns over the Upper Bhadra Project, and efforts to improve dam safety.
Key Details
- Inter-State Cooperation: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana pledged stronger coordination on water management.
- Strategic Importance: The dam irrigates 16.4 lakh acres across the three States, making it a vital water source.
- Modernisation: High-grade steel spillway gates replaced damaged ones after the 2024 crest gate failure.
- Major Challenges: The Upper Bhadra Project and severe siltation continue to raise concerns over water sharing and storage.
Significance of the Meeting
- Chief Ministers of Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, along with the Union Jal Shakti Minister, jointly inaugurated 33 new spillway gates of the Tungabhadra Dam.
- The meeting reflected a commitment to greater inter-State cooperation.
- The Tungabhadra Dam has largely remained free from major water disputes due to:
- An established water-sharing formula.
- Effective regulation by the Tungabhadra Board.
Importance of the Tungabhadra Dam
- Located in Koppal district, Karnataka.
- Acts as the lifeline of three southern States.
- Provides irrigation to about 16.4 lakh acres:
- Karnataka – 9.26 lakh acres
- Andhra Pradesh – 6.25 lakh acres
- Telangana – 87,000 acres
- In August 2024, a crest gate was washed away during heavy inflows when the reservoir was full (105 tmc ft).
- The damaged gate has now been replaced with high-grade steel gates costing ₹51 crore, with an expected lifespan of 60 years.
Challenges and Inter-State Differences
- Despite cooperation, disputes continue over the Upper Bhadra Project.
- The project is a major lift irrigation scheme in upstream Karnataka.
- Andhra Pradesh and Telangana fear it may reduce downstream water availability.
- Although the Centre had allocated ₹5,300 crore in the 2023-24 Budget, the project is now being implemented by a Karnataka government undertaking.
Dam Safety and Environmental Concerns
- The dam is facing excessive siltation.
- Storage capacity has declined from 133 tmc ft to around 106 tmc ft.
- The Union government has assured desiltation of the Tungabhadra and other reservoirs.
- There is also a need to speed up dam rehabilitation and improvement projects across 19 States.
Way Forward
- Strengthen cooperative federalism through dialogue and consensus on water-sharing issues.
- Resolve disputes over the Upper Bhadra Project through scientific assessment and negotiations.
- Prioritise desiltation, dam rehabilitation, and regular safety audits.
- Ensure the Centre closely monitors dam safety projects to prevent future disasters.
- Focus on prevention rather than post-disaster repairs to ensure long-term water security.
Conclusion
The Tungabhadra Dam demonstrates how cooperative federalism, scientific water management, and robust dam safety can ensure water security and regional development. While inter-State disputes and siltation remain challenges, sustained dialogue, timely infrastructure upgrades, and effective rehabilitation measures can strengthen trust among States. As India faces increasing climate variability, prevention, cooperation, and sustainable river basin management must remain the guiding principles.
Descriptive question:
"Despite institutional mechanisms for water sharing, inter-State river disputes continue to challenge cooperative federalism in India. Discuss with reference to the Tungabhadra Dam and the Upper Bhadra Project." (15 Marks, 250 words)