Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Thursday said that the replacement of the crest gates at the Tungabhadra reservoir, including the damaged 19th gate that was washed away last year, has been completed at a cost of ₹51 crore.

The Minister visited Munirabad in Koppal district to inspect preparations for the inauguration of the newly installed crest gates at the Tungabhadra dam. He also reviewed arrangements at the Munirabad Government High School grounds, where the inaugural function is scheduled to be held, and directed officials to ensure adequate road connectivity, barricading and traffic management.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Reddy said the State government had completed the gate replacement works taken up after the 19th crest gate of the reservoir was washed away during the 2024 monsoon. The newly installed gates are expected to have a lifespan of 55 to 60 years, he said.

He further said that the Chief Minister and he had recently met the Union Minister for Jal Shakti and discussed several irrigation projects concerning Karnataka, including the Mahadayi and Mekedatu projects.

The Minister added that Chief Ministers, Ministers and legislators from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are expected to participate in the inauguration programme. He said the occasion would also provide an opportunity for the three States to hold discussions on issues relating to the sharing of Tungabhadra reservoir waters and other inter-State river matters.

Mr. Reddy reiterated the State government’s commitment to the proposed Navali balancing reservoir project and said the meeting would be a timely opportunity to arrive at mutually beneficial decisions.

Stating that efforts would be made to resolve long-pending inter-State river disputes involving Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, he said the interests of people in the region would be protected, and no injustice would be allowed to occur.

Lok Sabha Member from Koppal Rajasekhar Hitnal, Ballari Range Inspector General of Police P.S. Harsha, Koppal Deputy Commissioner Suresh Itnal, Koppal Superintendent of Police Ram L. Arasiddi, Additional Superintendent of Police Hemanth Kumar, Assistant Commissioner Capt. Mahesh Malagitti and other officials were present.