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Tungabhadra Dam inter-state water sharing

2 entries over 4 days, from 26 June 2026 to 29 June 2026.

01
26 June

Tungabhadra basin water-sharing consensus

  • Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana have reached a consensus on water-sharing and irrigation issues in the Tungabhadra basin.
  • The Tungabhadra reservoir has undergone a major infrastructure upgrade with the replacement of 33 spillway gates.
  • Siltation is a critical issue, with approximately 33 tmcft of silt accumulated, significantly reducing the dam's storage capacity.
  • The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti plans to initiate a dredging program for major reservoirs, starting with the Tungabhadra dam, providing technical support to the involved States.
  • The Union government has proposed the formation of a high-level committee to resolve long-standing inter-State water-sharing disputes among the three riparian States.
  • Telangana has reported difficulties in utilizing its full allocation of 15.9 TMCFT of water through the Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme (RDS), citing siltation and water-sharing constraints.
02
29 June

Inter-State water cooperation for Tungabhadra dam

  • 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.

Questions from this story

Newest first. A story that ran for 4 days is exactly the kind the mains paper asks about as one question.

  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 · 29 June
  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 · 29 June
  3. Discuss the challenges posed by siltation in major irrigation reservoirs in India and the role of inter-State cooperation in ensuring sustainable water management. 150 words · 26 June
  4. Inter-State river water disputes remain a persistent challenge to India's federal structure. In the context of the Tungabhadra basin, analyze the mechanisms available for resolving such disputes and the importance of collaborative governance in water resource management. 250 words · 26 June