SALAR NEWS

Hippargi Barrage & Tungabhadra dam gates break open; farmers concerned

Barrage damage and canal leak trigger fears of water loss during paddy cultivation in north Karnataka

Salar News

Water released from damaged infrastructure threatens irrigation supply during peak sowing season (Salar)

Bagalkote/Koppal, 8 Jan

Heavy water pressure in the Krishna River broke the 22nd gate’s plate of the Hippargi Barrage in the Bagalkot district, leaving farmers deeply concerned. Similarly, a huge hole in the Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal left farmers worried in Koppal too.

The holes lets the water leak out, damaging crops. The Hippargi Barrage damage released a large quantity of water into the sea, who are currently cultivating paddy.

The dam is part of the Hippargi Barrage Irrigation Project near Hippargi village of Jamkhandi taluk in Bagalkot district.

Koppal farmers said a huge hole has developed in the Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal is causing water loss. Raitha Gram Panchayat member Haider Ali said that if the authorities do not address the issue immediately, farmers in the Raichur and Sindhanur will not even have any water to drink.

Paddy planting is currently underway, for which water is need. The locals complained that if the canal water does not reach in time, the farmers will be in trouble.

A a chain link was installed on the 18th crust gate of the Tungabadhra. The government plans to replace a total of 33 crust gates,

Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) Praveen Hunashikatti told Salar News, “Hippargi Barrage Gate no 22 has collapsed in Jamkhandi under water pressure, releasing 0.2 TMC water into the Krishna River.

Temporary gates are being installed, and the repair work will follow. There is no immediate danger to the public.”

District in-charge Minister RB Thimmapur told Salar News that “Officials have been instructed to rectify it immediately. Deputy Commissioners and tahsildars have taken necessary measures to ensure that people living downstream do not face any inconvenience.”

The Tungabhadra is a major tributary to the Krishna river. The Hippargi Barrage is to the north of the Left Bank Canal.