The Srisailam Dam, a vital infrastructure on the Krishna River serving both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, is currently confronting a severe safety crisis due to escalating erosion in its plunge pool area. This erosion, first observed after the catastrophic floods of 2009, has intensified over the years, forming a massive void that now poses a significant threat to the dam’s structural integrity.
Recent assessments by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), Central Water Commission (CWC), and Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) have revealed that the plunge pool has deepened to over 120 meters, extending dangerously close to the dam’s foundation. The scouring effect of water released during monsoons has exacerbated the situation, leading to concerns about potential retrogressive erosion towards the dam structure .
Telangana’s irrigation officials have repeatedly urged the Andhra Pradesh government to undertake immediate remedial measures. Suggestions include filling the plunge pool with cement concrete tetrapods to dissipate energy and prevent further erosion. However, delays in initiating these repairs have raised alarms, especially with the monsoon season approaching .
The NDSA has emphasized the urgency of the situation, recommending comprehensive geological studies and a dam break analysis to assess the dam’s stability. They have also advised that temporary measures be implemented promptly to mitigate risks until permanent solutions can be executed .
The potential consequences of inaction are dire. A breach in the Srisailam Dam could lead to catastrophic flooding downstream, affecting critical infrastructures like the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, Pulichintala Dam, and Prakasam Barrage. Moreover, it would disrupt power generation, irrigation, and drinking water supply systems across both states, and even impact Chennai’s water supply via the Telugu Ganga Project .
Given the dam’s significance and the escalating risks, it is imperative for the concerned authorities to act swiftly. Implementing immediate temporary measures, followed by comprehensive repairs, is essential to safeguard this crucial infrastructure and prevent a potential disaster.
