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29 June 2026

Inter-State water cooperation for Tungabhadra dam

The topic involves inter-state water disputes and dam safety management, which are core themes in federal governance and resource distribution frequently tested in UPSC Mains.

1 min read Day 2 of 2 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • Tungabhadra Dam is located in Koppal district, Karnataka.
  • The dam serves as a lifeline for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, irrigating 16.4 lakh acres total (9.26 lakh in Karnataka, 6.25 lakh in Andhra Pradesh, 87,000 in Telangana).
  • Water sharing is managed by the Tungabhadra Board and an established inter-state formula.
  • In August 2024, a crest gate failure occurred during high inflows; 33 new high-grade steel gates are being installed at a cost of ₹51 crore, with a 60-year lifespan.
  • Storage capacity has declined from 133 tmc ft to 106 tmc ft due to excessive siltation.
  • The Upper Bhadra project, an upstream lift irrigation scheme in Karnataka, remains a point of contention between the three states.
  • The Union government is overseeing dam rehabilitation and improvement projects across 19 states to address safety and maintenance.

Part of a longer story

This is day 2 of 2 in Tungabhadra Dam inter-state water sharing, which has been running since 26 June 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. Examine the challenges of inter-state water governance in India, specifically focusing on the issues of siltation and dam safety in multi-state irrigation projects. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. The effective management of inter-state river water resources is critical for agricultural stability and federal harmony. Discuss the role of statutory boards and central oversight in mitigating disputes and ensuring the structural integrity of critical water infrastructure. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. The Tungabhadra Dam, a critical irrigation project for three southern states, is located in which of the following states?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-06-29/inter-state-water-cooperation-for-tungabhadra-dam