The annual overview highlights the damages and accidents affecting dams and hydro power projects in India during 2024. The highest number of such incidents happened in Himachal Pradesh. Incidents are also noteworthy from Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand among the Himalayan states. In addition, noteworthy dam disaster incidents in the year happened in Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The previous overview on the issue can be seen by visiting the links 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020.
Himachal Pradesh 12 HEPs impacted by cloudburst in July 2024 The flash flood spell has rendered all these HEPs non-operational thus they are facing huge generational losses in addition to the significant structural damages. The disaster has again raised questions on safety and operational issues of HEP projects. Due to severe damages to main and approach roads, most of the private operators have not been able to visit project sites to figure out extent of damages and financial losses to the respective HEPs. The official reports of SDMA and DoE assessing cumulative impact of the disaster on these HEPs are awaited in public domain.
The ‘cloudburst’ disaster has killed at least 8 workers of the 14 Mw Sumez HEP project in Rampur, Shimla. The workers were living in a project building near Muhali khad which was washed away by the deluge. https://sandrp.in/2024/08/16/himachal-pradesh-12-more-heps-impacted-by-cloudburst-disaster-in-july-2024/ (16 Aug. 2024)
14 HEPs damaged in flash flood According to the analysis by SANDRP, two hydroelectric projects (HEPs) suffered significant damage due to a “cloudburst-induced flash flood” in the Palchan area of Kullu district on the intervening night of July 25-26. Both HEPs — the 2-MW Pinnacle HEP on the Serai river and the 9-MW Beas Kund HEP on the Beas river — are owned by private companies. “We have lost everything except the powerhouse building,” Vinay Parmar, the manager of the Beas Kund project, told SANDRP. Bhim Rawat of SANDRP said that Google Earth imagery shows that the powerhouses of both HEPs were built in active flood zones of the Serai and Beas rivers.
Himanshu Thakkar, the coordinator of SANDRP, pointed out that there are no inflow forecast stations or level forecast stations in Himachal Pradesh. As a result, no flood forecasts are made in the state, which are crucial for saving lives and public property. A Central Water Commission official in Shimla said that there are plans to establish inflow and level forecast stations in the state but did not divulge details. Thakkar added that the Union Environment Ministry should conduct disaster risk analyses before hydroelectric projects are built. Independent post-disaster assessments should be conducted after such incidents. Robust disaster management plans should be prepared, and early warning systems should be installed, he said. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/energy/power/14-hydropower-projects-damaged-due-to-flash-floods-in-himachal-since-july-25/articleshow/112718157.cms; https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/14-hydropower-projects-damaged-by-flash-floods-in-himachal-since-july-25-124082201107_1.html (22 Aug. 2024)
‘Cloudburst’ Damages 2 HEPs It is clear that the flashflood destruction in and around Palchan area of Manali is due to abject failure of concerned government departments at multiple levels. The powerhouses of Serai HEP and Beas Kund HEP have come up in flood zone of rivers, thus facing damages. But none of the concerned govt departments including HIMURJA and DoE took step to do anything to stop this.
Further, they seem uninterested in addressing the basic flaws and gaps in their hydro sector policy to prevent such damages in future. The project owners too are paying a heavy price for underestimating flood threats from extreme weather events. They are quite vulnerable to climatic disasters but now left on their own. https://sandrp.in/2024/08/03/july-2024-cloudburst-in-beas-basin-damages-2-heps-in-himachal-pradesh/ (03 Aug. 2024)
Damage to Malana I HEP Project Road at RD 6800 got completely washed out for a length of about 80-100 m. Project Road at RD 8500 got completely washed out for a length of about 100-120 m. The steel bridge and its abutments provided by MPCL (Malana-1) near 8500 RD (downstream of reservoir) was also completely washed out. About 12 blocks of the Gravity Wall of reservoir near overflow structures have got settled and reservoir floor alongside is also completely damaged. Due to flash flood and overflow, Barrage Control Room was damaged. Besides this, Intake Gates and HR Gates have also completely choked. Whole area including reservoir Desilting Chambers and Low Water Channel is filled with silt and muck. Channel for a length of app. 300 m has been washed away. The water had overflown from the reservoir resulting in scouring of the river. DG Room with two numbers of DG sets got washed away. There are damages to the Barrage Control Room, Operator Room, Control Room approach is filled with stones and mud. Security Post has also washed out. 11 KV power supply at Barrage was completely disrupted.
Damages to Malana-II HEP: Approach Road between powerhouse and dam got damaged. Approach Bridge to Main access tunnel of powerhouse was washed away, left no approach to powerhouse. 132 KV switchyard, its control room, 725 KV DG were washed away. Connecting bridge to Tail race tunnel cum cable tunnel was washed away. Main Admin building was washed away. Three tower Viz tower no: 01, 02 and 03 of 132 KV D/C transmission line were washed away. Flood Water back flows to the powerhouse via TRT, team inside the powerhouse confirmed that level went down after some time. 1 No. 30 Ton ropeway, 2 Nos 6 Ton Ropeways and 500 kg ropeway got damaged. Dam approach was damaged at several places from the starting point of the project site to RD 4500. (SDMA Report)
Malana dam collapse Malana 2 Power Project has been worst hit after a cloudburst hit the area last night around 11 pm. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/repeat-of-last-year-in-himachal-over-40-missing-after-multiple-cloudbursts-malana-dam-collapses-huge-building-swept-away-in-raging-parvati/ (1 Aug 2024) Malana barrage has been totally destroyed, has turned into rubble. https://himbumail.com/home/latest/25-people-marooned-and-five-trapped-in-tunnel (1 Aug 2024)
5 stranded in tunnel of Malana-2 HEP Five workers of Malana-2 HEP were stranded since morning on Aug 1 in evacuation tunnel of the project as the exit door was forced shut following cloud burst in Parvati Valley in early hours, Anand Verma, head of the project said. Verma said this happened as the project was damaged. There were 29 workers at the site, 24 of them were rescued. They were able to open the emergency flood gates. https://www.uniindia.com/news/north/hp-tunnel-stranded/3253302.html (1 Aug 2024) 35 people, mostly employees, trapped in the Malana hydro project (Stage 1) were rescued by NDRF teams and police. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/cloudbursts-flash-floods-hit-hp-4-killed-no-trace-of-49/articleshowprint/112206108.cms (02 Aug. 2024)
Malana dam failure Early Aug 1 morning a cloudburst hit above the Malana II project in the Parbati Valley region affecing Malana Dam No. 1 and Malana Dam No. 2, key components of the Malana Power Project owned by Bhilwara and Greenko groups. The cloudburst led to an accumulation of muck, boulders damaging the switchyard and the Malana II project. “The gates were opened as per protocol. But since the dam does not have capacity to hold this volume of water it resulted in the flooding taking toll on infrastructure,” they added. Malana I, lacks floodgate, and has only a reservoir which was overwhelmed by the surge of water.
The cloudburst and subsequent dam overflow released approximately 4.70 million cusecs of water, causing extensive damage. At least nine individuals are reported missing, a bridge was washed away, and significant road blockages occurred. Despite the gravity of the situation, authorities have not yet issued a detailed response. This incident follows last year’s malfunction at the Malana Project, where a floodgate failed to open during an emergency, raising serious concerns about dam safety protocols. https://himachalscape.com/malana-dam-failure-in-himachal-pradesh-highlights-urgent-need-for-safety-reforms/ (1 Aug 2024) Story of Malana disaster, by Anand Sankar https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1819342104721871220.html (02 Aug. 2024)
3 months on, Malana village remains cut off More than three months have passed since a flash flood had wiped away the road to Malana in the Parvati valley of Kullu but the village continues to remain cut off from the rest of the district. The link road, around 8 km in length, is yet to be rebuilt from the project site of Malana Hydro Dam-I, which also got damaged in the flash flood, up to near Malana village. In the absence of road connectivity, the villagers are forced to cover the 8 km distance on foot in case they wish to visit any other part of the district.
The 86-MW Malana-I project has been developed by Malana Power Company Ltd (MPCL), while the 100-MW Malana-II project is owned by the Greenko Group. The road from Jari village to Malana-I project has been repaired and rebuilt by the MPCL. However, the Greenko Group is yet to rebuild the road that comes under its area of operation – from Malana-I to the village and up to the Malana-II project site. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/malana-village-cut-off-for-over-three-months-after-devastating-flash-flood/articleshow/115611832.cms (24 Nov. 2024)
May 2024: Lambadug HEP Leak Disaster in Kangral The incident requires a serious independent probe to thoroughly investigate the leakage episode, construction of the project, particularly building of penstock pipe and structures on tunnel debris. The govt also needs to prepare an emergency plan to avoid the unfolding man-made disaster in the area. It is clear that the Himachal Pradesh hydropower development departments, the dam safety department and the disaster management department have all been negligent, callous and possibly worse. There is urgent need to review the functioning of each of these & review the disaster management plan of all the hydropower projects of HP. https://sandrp.in/2024/05/12/may-2024-lambadug-hep-leak-disaster-in-kangra-himachal/ (12 May 2024)
Company Negligence destroys Multhan A preliminary fact-finding report on the Lambadug hydro project disaster by Himdhara Environment Research and Action Collective. https://www.himdhara.org/2024/05/14/criminal-negligence-destroys-multhan-farms-and-market-in-barot-valley-kangra/ (14 May 2024) Himdhara documentary film compiles testimonies from the affected area, a day after the disaster took place on 10th May 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UcaFpHQQaw (16 May 2024)
A pattern of negligence of dam safety “It is not necessary that such accidents would happen after the project completes construction,” said Bhim Rawat of SANDRP. “Time and again, we have seen disasters like flash floods or landslides occur while the project is being constructed.” He gave the example of the 2021 flash flood in Uttarakhand which, washed away part of the under-construction Tapovan Vishnugad project and left almost 200 people missing or dead. “The early warning systems should be installed during its construction phase to avoid threats originating upstream,” Rawat said.
From documentation gathered by Himdhara Collective and the SANDRP, and from online searches of media stories over the past ten years, Scroll found at least 14 cases of accidents at hydropower plants in Himachal Pradesh. Manshi Asher noted, “The problem is not going to get resolved just by looking at safety post or during construction, but has to happen at a much earlier stage”. Rawat echoed this argument, noting that “structure-related accidents can be prevented by prior assessment, proper construction quality, and credible inspections by third parties”. https://scroll.in/article/1068279/ (02 June 2024)
Green groups seek audit of hydro projects In a letter to CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, coordinator, Himalaya Niti Abhiyan (HNA), Guman Singh stated that such incidents had occurred in over a dozen hydro projects in the last around one decade. “There is an urgent need to carry out a safety audit of all the hydro projects, commissioned and under-construction. On the basis of the audit, measures can be taken to ensure the safety of the citizens,” read the letter. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/flooding-of-kangra-village-green-groups-seek-audit-of-hydro-projects/articleshow/110065228.cms (13 May 2024)
Experts demand moratorium on new HEPs The project, constructed on the Lambadug river, is one among 40 projects in different stages of commissioning, construction, and planning on the Beas river and its tributaries. Nineteen of these projects are of 25 MW and above capacity with significant underground and surface excavation. The project, being executed by Megha Engineering Infrastructure Ltd, had suffered leakage during the testing phase too. However, the volume of water was not large, and people were assured that the project would be operational only after all safety measures were taken. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/renewables/himachals-hydro-project-leaked-in-test-phase-too-experts-demand-moratorium-on-new-projects/articleshow/110113230.cms (14 May 2024)
Lambadug HEP repairs stalled More than five months after the leak in the hydroelectric project’s penstock near Multhan village in Kangra district, the repair and maintenance work is yet to be carried out as the impasse between the project management and the villagers continues over the issue of compensation. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/himachal-kangra-hydro-project-repairs-stalled-as-impasse-between-mgmt-locals-drags-on- (26 Oct. 2024)
Damages at Luhri-I HEP Reveals Loopholes in Dam Safety Act The floods & land sinking incidents affecting Luhri-I HEP work exposes loopholes in DSA 2021 apart from revealing shortcomings in SJVNL monitoring plan & SDMA’s disaster management policy as all of them lack clear directions to address safety threats impacting under construction dams & hydro projects. There is absence of inter project coordination within SJVNL & doubt arises if SJVNL has EWS for Nathpa Jakhri and Rampur HEPs. The SJVNL & SDMA must also put all information related to EWS, Disaster Management and safety measures promptly in the public domain. https://sandrp.in/2024/07/13/himachal-pradesh-damages-at-luhri-i-hep-reveals-loopholes-in-dam-safety-act/ (13 July 2024)
May 2024: Rockfall incident at Chanju III HEP kills 1; injures 2 The Chanju III and Deathal Chanju HEPs are coming up above 2000-m elevation in Chanju valley which is covered by 4000 to 5300 m high mountains with number of glaciers and experiences heavy snow fall spells, however the EIA reports have overlooked threats of avalanches, glacial moraines and are mute on cloudburst induced flashflood disaster to all the HEPs on Chanju river.
The construction of large number of tunnels, approach roads, workers colonies, ropeways, power transmission lines and other project infrastructures for the HEPs along Chanju river have increased the geological and climatic disaster potential of Chaurah valley manifold which required timely precautionary measures including scrapping of unviable HEPs and strict compliance to environmental norms before it is too late. https://sandrp.in/2024/05/05/may-2024-chanju-iii-hep-in-chamba-hp-rockfall-incident-kills-1-injures-2/ (05 May 2024)
March 2024: 3 HEP workers killed in avalanche This is probably first of its kind incident of avalanche striking a hydro power project site in HP. The incident has also damaged the project, however there is no official information on the extent of damages. The Google Earth map shows the Selti-Masrang project area in Kafno is located amid snow covered high mountains on either side and is quite prone to such incidents. In recent past the incidents GLOFs, landslides, cloudbursts and flashfloods have increasingly damaged several hydro power projects in Himalayan states. This incident shows that the avalanches are also potential disaster threat for such projects and presents a wake-up call for governments pushing hydro projects in glaciated and para glacier zone. https://sandrp.in/2024/03/12/march-2024-3-hydropower-workers-killed-in-avalanche-in-kinnaur-himachal-pradesh/ (12 March 2024)
Nov 2024: Shongtong Karchham HEP Tunnel Leakage There is no information made public by HPPCL and Patel Engineering about the tunnel leakage incident. However, Shashank Gupta, SDM Kalpa told us that excessive blasting could be reason behind the leakage in the tunnel. The under-construction project has repeatedly been facing such accidents and disasters. The common element in all of these avoidable disasters is deliberate negligence being exercised by the hydro power project companies in the district. No post disaster reports are available for any of these disasters earlier, no accountability has been fixed. https://sandrp.in/2024/11/17/nov-2024-shongtong-karchham-hep-tunnel-leakage-in-kinnaur-himachal-pradesh/ (17 Nov. 2024)
Problems in penstock of 12 Mw Upper Joiner HEP in Churah valley Chamba. There was chaos among the employees in the powerhouse of Greenco Power Hydro Project operated in Bihali Panchayat, when suddenly the penstock pipe supplying water to the powerhouse burst. Due to this the water started flowing towards the powerhouse. This did not cause any damage to the powerhouse. https://www.amarujala.com/himachal-pradesh/chamba/chaos-due-to-bursting-of-pan-stock-pipe-in-power-project-chamba-news-c-88-1-ssml1006-129534-2024-07-22 (22 July 2024) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YGaLnytQLo (23 July 2024)
Pandoh Dam Gate Jam Two gates of BBMB Pandoh Dam have been closed for the last three days due to silt coming in in large amounts causing concerns among officials. BBMB Chairman Manoj Tripathi also reached the spot. Technical team from Chandigarh has also reached the spot to open the gate. The water level of Beas river has increased due to heavy rains. After releasing water from Larji Dam, Pandoh Dam is overflowing with water. In such a situation, it is necessary to release this water from the dam. But closing of two gates can increase problems. https://www.amarujala.com/himachal-pradesh/mandi/two-gates-of-bbmb-pandoh-dam-jammed-due-to-silt-officials-are-in-a-tough-spot-2024-08-03 (03 Aug. 2024) Two gates of Pandoh dam of BBMB are jammed due to silt, they are not able to open them and hence not able to release full quantum of water necessary. In the tunnel that takes water from Pandoh dam to Baggi, the tree trunks and other debris are collected, so less water is going there too. This is also affecting the power generation. There could be greater risk if there is too much delay. It is also reported that a lot of BBMB machinery at the dam site worth crores of rupees is found to be damaged, machinery had to be brought from elsewhere. https://currentnewz.in/archives/39779 (03 Aug. 2024) The gates were opened by 11.30 pm on Aug 3, 2024. BBMB administration has been able to open one of the two spillway gates that they were not able to open earlier. https://currentnewz.in/archives/39796 (3 Aug 2024)
Sikkim Aug 2024: Massive Landslide damages Teesta V HEP station A massive landslide (location: [27.2515, 88.4594]) at Dipu Data near Singtam in Gangtok district that brought down a huge part of a hill above the powerhouse of the NHPC’s 510 MW Teesta V hydropower project on Teesta river in Sikkim at 7.30 am of Aug 20 2024 has damaged the power house. The GIS building above the underground powerhouse located at Balutar can be seen getting destroyed in the massive landslide and getting buried under the debris. The project has been out of operation since the Oct 4, 2023, GLOF disaster in Teesta river had over topped the dam and seriously damaged the project. https://sandrp.in/2024/08/21/aug-2024-massive-landslide-damages-nhpcs-teesta-v-hydropower-station/ (21 Aug. 2024)
This photo blog explains the ground situation post Aug 20, 2024, landslide at Dipudara in Sikkim, which buried part of NHPC’s Teesta V Power house. https://savethehills.blogspot.com/2024/09/survey-of-parts-of-teesta-valley-part-i.html (5 Sep 2024) International Rivers statement on Teesta-V hydropower station destruction. https://www.internationalrivers.org/news/statement-international-rivers-statement-on-teesta-v-hydropower-station-destruction-in-sikkim/ (22 Aug. 2024) The hill slope is inclined to more than 45 degrees showing the possibility of high soil erosion due to manmade activities (including NHPCs construction work) from both sides caused pressure over fragile phyllite stone” said Debnath who is researching GLOF in Sikkim. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Aug/21/man-made-activities-triggered-landslide-at-teesta-dams-power-station-say-scientists (21 Aug. 2024) “The main cause of Dipudara landslide is because of underground Teesta stage V powerhouse. This is all because of the 20 km of tunnels from Dikchu Dam to the underground Power Station at Balutar Dipu Dara. Inside the Dipu Dara the underground Teesta stage V powerhouse is located along with underground tunneling and adit. So, in future periphery area of Dipudara, Beng, Khamdong area will be affected,” it said. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/natural-disasters/sikkim-affected-citizens-of-teesta-demand-nhpc-dam-decommissioning-2 (23 Aug. 2024)
Teesta V HEP suffered ₹327 cr damages The NHPC on Tuesday (Oct. 22) said a major landslide in Sikkim affected its 510 MW Teesta-V Power Station and the estimated loss was around Rs 327.67 crore. The power station is currently not operational and undergoing restoration works after flash flood of October, 2023, the company stated in a regulatory filing. https://www.indiatodayne.in/sikkim/story/sikkim-landslide-caused-rs-327-crore-loss-to-teesta-v-project-nhpc-1109891-2024-10-23 (23 Oct. 2024)
Visions of hell Impact of the Oct 2023 Teesta Valley GLOF on road communications – the continuing nightmare at Pedong and Toong. The Teesta valley GLOF reactivated a dormant landslide at Likhu Bhir which continues to pose a problem for traffic along NH10 so the Kalimpong District Administration has again closed that section of the highway. https://savethehills.blogspot.com/2024/04/impact-of-oct-2023-teesta-valley-glof.html (7 Apr 2024)
Arunachal Pradesh May 2024: Landslide at LSHEP leads to death, destruction The controversial 2000 MW Lower Subansiri Hydropower Project of NHPC has suffered yet another landslide disaster in which one worker has died. The project has suffered damages, but the project authorities have not informed the people the reasons for this landslides, nor extent of damage and implications for project future. Project is already much delayed and after massive landslide in April and Oct 2023, its commissioning has been majorly rescheduled from earlier projected 2023-24 to now 2025-26 or subsequent date. The implications of these on the project cost and cost of electricity from the project are not made public by NHPC. https://sandrp.in/2024/06/02/may-2024-another-landslide-at-nhpcs-lower-subansiri-hep-leads-to-death-destruction/ (02 June 2024)
No Breach at Subansiri HEP, powerhouse safe: NHPC According to statement by AN Mohammed, NHPC consultant, there is no breach in under construction Subansiri project, contrary to media reports on June 25. He claimed that the breach was of a temporary dyke constructed for Tail Race Tunnel, the dyke was expected to be breached in monsoon. https://nenow.in/north-east-news/arunachal-pradesh/arunachal-no-breach-at-subansiri-hydroelectric-project-powerhouse-safe-says-nhpc.html (25 June 2024)
3 units to start power generation by March 2025 NHPC here claims three units of 2000 MW Lower Subansiri HEP will start generating power by Mach 2025. Many earlier such claims have come and gone without fulfilment. “The project cost increased from Rs. 6,285 cr in 2005 to about Rs. 26,000 cr presently. A total of Rs. 22,000 cr has been spent and the project is in its final phase. https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2024/11/26/3-units-of-2000-mw-subansiri-project-to-start-power-generation/ (26 Nov. 2024)
Best Project award to Subansiri Lower Dam?? This reflects so poorly on NHPC when a project that has seen so many disasters, that has seen such huge cost and time over runs, that has faced such strong protests that compelled the project authorities to change so many of the project parameters and the project is still to be commissioned and its economic viability is under question, is adjudged the best NHPC project!! https://nenow.in/north-east-news/assam-nhpc-confers-best-project-award-to-subansiri-lower-dam.html (09 Nov. 2024)
July 2024: Worker killed at DMP site In the absence of any official information from the project officials of NHPC, the reason behind the worker’s death is not confirmed. Similarly, the amount of financial compensation to the deceased family through insurance and compensation if any is unknown. Sadly, this is the fate of scores of workers building HEP and dam projects in the country. Broadly, it is very concerning issue that the developers of hydroelectric power (HEP) and dam projects though claim that they work in public interest using public resources but never share any official information about disasters and accidents impacting the projects and workers with the public. https://sandrp.in/2024/07/21/july-2024-a-worker-killed-at-dibang-multipurpose-project-in-arunachal-pradesh/ (21 July 2024)
NEEPCO warns for release due to turbine issue The North Eastern Electric Power Corp (NEEPCO) has proposed to release the water of the Panyor River in its Panyor Lower Hydro Power dam at Yazali in Keyi Panyor district. In a circular, the NEEPCO authorities informed that the need for releasing water arose due to some emergency problem in turbines in the powerhouse at Hoj in Papum Pare district.
“During the proposed emergency release of water from the dam, only the natural flow of the river would be allowed to flow, which is less than 25 cumec at present. The tentative date of the said water release will be from 06/03/2024 to 12/03/2024 and in case of any change in the schedule, it would be intimated to the concerned stakeholders via WhatsApp message, mobile call or text messages, etc,” the NEEPCO informed. The NEEPCO authorities did not specify what emergency had arisen at Hoj. https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2024/03/07/neepco-issues-warning-as-it-prepares-to-release-water-due-to-turbine-issue/ (06 March 2024)
Tripura NHPC team conducts study of Dumbur HEP The northeastern state’s lone hydroelectric project commissioned in 1984 suffered serious damage due to the unprecedented flood in September this year. https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/tripura/nhpc-team-study-dumbur-hydroelectric-plant-tripura-9751084/ (30 Dec. 2024) The Dumboor HEP had played a significant role in meeting the state’s electricity demand until the 1990s, earning Tripura a unique identity in the country. Launched in 1972, the project led to the eviction of a large number of tribal inhabitants. However, the project has faced considerable setbacks in recent years. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/nhpc-team-evaluates-dumboor-project-for-enhanced-power-generation/articleshow/116832509.cms (31 Dec. 2024)
Uttarakhand SDMA Clueless on Flashflood Disaster at Vishnugad Pipalkoti HEP The entire USDMA system at state and district level have no information and reported flash flood damages at Vishnugad Pipalkoti HEP site. Moreover, the responses of USDMA and DDMA officials indicate serious flaws in information collection process. The incident also reveals glaring gaps in DDMA’s disaster monitoring mechanism.
Further, USDMA has no policy or guidelines in place for disaster monitoring and mitigation related to the under construction HEP projects. THDCL has so far not put any information about the incident in public domain. https://sandrp.in/2024/07/18/july-2024-usdma-clueless-on-flashflood-disaster-at-vishnugad-pipalkoti-hep/ (18 July 2024)
Embankment damaged at Tapovan Vishnugad HEP Due to heavy rains in the high altitude areas, the water level of the Alaknanda river suddenly rose on May 6. Due to this, the embankments built in the powerhouse being built by NTPC in Helang broke. No major accident happened. The workers had to work hard to safely remove the embankment building machines. The embankments built here during the disaster were broken, whose construction work was going on again. But today the embankments broke again. There was an atmosphere of chaos on the site. https://www.amarujala.com/dehradun/uttarakhand-chamoli-news-water-level-of-alaknanda-rises-due-to-heavy-rain-ntpc-embankment-broken-2024-05-06 (6 May 2024) More than a dozen workers saved their lives by running away in time. The construction works as well as the machines and other goods of the concerned company have been damaged. https://www.jagran.com/uttarakhand/chamoli-uttarakhand-news-raw-embankments-washed-away-due-to-rise-in-water-level-of-alaknanda-in-chamoli-workers-saved-their-lives-by-running-away-23712487.html (07 May 2024)
Study needed to pin NTPC tunnel role in Joshimath sinking Residents and officials alike continue to believe that NTPC’s construction has created a heavy load on land in Joshimath. “To a certain degree, tunnelling by NTPC is also a contributing factor of land sinking here,” the official said. “But studies have to be completed to say it assertively.” https://scroll.in/article/1061812/why-joshimath-residents-have-moved-back-to-unsafe-houses (10 Jan. 2023)
Leakages in NHPC Banbasa power channel On 31 January 2024, there was a sudden leakage at eight places in the power channel of NHPC near Sailanigoth New Colony. The leakage water reached the village road. This frightened the people and they immediately informed NHPC about it. The officials inspected the spot and reduced the level of the power channel canal and started safety measures. By evening the leakage was under control. NHPC administration has called divers to investigate the leakage from the power channel.
Banbasa NHPC’s power channel has been damaged many times in the past. On 20 Jan 2006, there was a leakage of water towards village Phagpur in Package Four. After this, on 30 Jan, there was a leakage at another place in Package Four itself. Then on 14 March 2006, there was a leakage in the power channel. To stop the repeated leakage, on 25 January 2008, the work of laying Italy-made geo membrane sheet was done in about 400 meters of leakage area. Power generation at the Tanakpur Power Station in Banbasa was halted for about 40 days. After March 2008, there has been a leak in the power channel of NHPC on 31 Jan 2024 after 16 years. https://www.amarujala.com/uttarakhand/champawat/leakage-at-eight-places-in-nhpcs-power-channel-villagers-scared-tanakpur-news-c-243-1-shld1007-101945-2024-01-31 (31 Jan. 2024) A crack has been found in the channel on the third day. NHPC General Manager Rajil Vyas along with the team remained engaged in investigating the leak since morning. The General Manager said that the crack has been repaired by immediate filling. Now water is being released and investigation is being done. Meanwhile, power generation from a turbine in the power house also continued. https://www.amarujala.com/uttarakhand/champawat/crack-found-in-power-channel-team-engaged-in-repair-tanakpur-news-c-243-1-shld1007-101967-2024-02-02(2 Feb. 2024)
Karnataka. Tungabhadra Dam A Crest Gate washed away in August 2024 Gate no 19 of Tungabhadra dam in Krishna basin in Karnataka got cut from its chain on the dam and washed away at around 10.50 pm on Aug 10 2024. The dam was full at the time, in violation of its rule curve and prudent dam operation. It is not clear if the gates had the certificate from the state or central dam safety authorities post inspection before the monsoon. One hopes an independent inquiry will be conducted to find out answers to such questions. https://sandrp.in/2024/08/11/tungabhadra-dam-a-crest-gate-washed-away-in-august-2024/ (11 Aug 2024)
Tungabhadra gate damage forces govt to open 2 reservoirs The release of such a huge quantity of water from Tungabhadra resulted in swelling of water levels in Srisailam reservoir, the first major dam in Andhra Pradesh-Telangana border, which is already filled to its brim. On Aug 12, the inflows into this reservoir was around 1.8 lakh cusecs and the authorities were forced to let out 2.67 lakh cusecs of water to the downstream by opening all its nine crest gates. At Nagarjunsagar, the second major reservoir on Krishna river in Andhra, the inflow on Aug 12 was 1.69 lakh cusecs. The authorities are discharging 40,278 cusecs water to maintain the reservoir balance.
“Had there been no problem with the crest gates, there would have been 105 tmc ft of water in Tungabhadra dam. Now, with the damage to the gate, it would be losing around 61 tmc. Unless there are further rains in the upstream of the river, the farmers will be at loss,” the official added. The irrigation minister, however, said there was no immediate threat to the irrigation needs of Rayalaseema at least for this season. “If we can complete the crest gate work at the earliest, there is a possibility of storing more water in the coming days due to rains. We can still fill the dam up to 105 tmc ft,” he asserted. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/damage-to-karnataka-dam-forces-andhra-to-open-two-reservoirs-101723488667719.html (13 Aug. 2024)
Experts to probe Tungabhadra dam gate collapse The Tungabhadra Board has constituted a committee of experts to find out the reason for the collapse of 19th crest gate of the Tungabhadra dam. The gate collapsed after its link snapped and it was washed away in the night of August 10. The experts panel is headed by A K Bajaj, former chairman of Central Water Commission. The panel comprises dam experts Harkesh Kumar, Tarapuram Sudhakar and representatives of technical consultative committees of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, according to Tungabhadra Board secretary O R K Reddy. The committee will examine whether the gate and chain links were inspected from time to time and also assess the safety of other crest gates of the dam. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/panel-of-experts-to-probe-tb-dam-crest-gate-collapse-3179018 (06 Sept. 2024)
All 33 gates at Tungabhadra dam need to be replaced Kannaiah Naidu (77), a national expert on hydraulic gate and handling equipment said he cautioned the govt to replace all the crest gates as they are already 70 years old and have outlived their lifespan. “Once the dam gates complete 2.5 million cycles, they fail. All 33 gates need to be replaced and it may cost around Rs 250 crore. The new design will have vertical gates with higher density and will be stronger than the existing gates,” said Naidu, adding that the country had many ageing dams and the state govts should give priority to dam safety. https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2024/09/23/dam-expert-on-why-all-33-gates-at-tungabhadra-dam-need-to-be-replaced.html (23 Sept. 2024)
Major overhaul expected for TB dam gates A meeting involving representatives from all three riparian states (Karnataka, AP and Telangana) of the Tungabhadra dam is expected to occur Nov 22 or 23, following the recent visit by SN Pandey, the chairman of the Tungabhadra Board. The agenda could feature a crucial decision regarding the replacement of all 33 crest gates of the dam.
The AK Bajaj-led inquiry committee, tasked with investigating the incident, recently submitted its findings to the govt regarding the collapse of 19th gate of the Tungabhadra dam. The committee’s report recommends that the govt take prompt action to secure the reservoir. It proposed the immediate replacement of all 33 gates. TB Board secretary ORK Reddy indicates that all 33 crest gates will undergo strength assessment. The upcoming meeting will likely debate whether to replace gates selectively or implement a complete replacement. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/tungabhadra-dam-gates-overhaul-urgent-safety-measures-on-the-horizon/articleshow/115059123.cms (07 Nov. 2024)
Karnataka ₹6.5cr Chikkodi bridge cum barrage collapses The Manjari-Bavanasoundatti bridge-cum-barrage, recently constructed by the Minor Irrigation Department at a cost of Rs 6.50 crore across the Krishna river near Manjari village of Chikkodi taluk in Belagavi district, has collapsed, barely three months after its inauguration, triggering widespread anger. Residents of the area are accusing govt officials and the dept of their negligence, alleging that poor quality construction led to the incident.
The bridge, which also served as a barrage, was meant to benefit farmers and workers by connecting various villages and easing travel between places like Miraj, Ingali and Yadur. However, with its collapse, locals are facing hurdles in their daily commute. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2024/Nov/16/rs-65-crore-chikkodi-bridge-in-karnataka-collapses-just-three-months-after-inauguration (16 Nov. 2024)
Vented dam at Moodubettu Mata collapses Constructed 15 years ago, the vented dam was a crucial water source for farmers in Soorinje, Ekkaru, and Kateel villages. Additionally, many students relied on the dam’s footpath to commute to schools and colleges in Kateel and Soorinje. However, following the collapse, people now face a detour of at least 10 km. With the monsoon season approaching in just a month, immediate repairs to the vented dam are not feasible. The construction of a new dam will require time to complete the necessary procedures, leaving agriculturists concerned about the water supply to their crops for the next two years.
Concerns have been raised regarding the structural integrity of the dam, as the base has noticeably shifted to one side. Locals allege that illegal sand excavation from the dam’s base contributed to its collapse. Despite complaints from the public, no action was taken by the authorities. Agriculturists believe that if not for the constant sand excavation, the dam could have remained functional for at least 50 years. They are urging PWD engineers to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter. https://daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1188943 (05 May 2024)
Telangana. Kaleshwaram Project May 2024: Questions about NDSA interim report The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) Chairman Shri Anil Jain has through a letter dated May 1, 2024, sent an interim report of the NDSA committee to the Telangana govt. The 16 page interim report titled: “RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE INTERIM MEASURES AND FURTHER STUDIES/ INVESTIGATIONS TO BE TAKEN UP BY IRRIGATION & CAD DEPT, BEFORE THE ONSET OF COMING MONSOON” came as an annexure to the letter addressed to Rahul Bojja, Irrigation and Command Area Department (I & CAD) of Govt of Telangana.
The 6-member NDSA committee chaired by former Central Water Commission (CWC) J Chandrasekhar Iyer (strangely, the report or the letter does not mention the name of the chair or members of the committee) was constituted on March 2, 2024. The committee visited Telangana & project site on March 6-9. The committee also held meeting with the key persons in Hyderabad on March 20-22 and in Delhi on Apr 3-4 and has submitted the interim report on the request of Telangana govt so that necessary steps can be taken before the SW Monsoon 2024 to minimise further damage to the three dams: Medigadda, Annaram & Sundilla. https://sandrp.in/2024/05/08/may-2024-questions-about-ndsa-interim-report-on-kaleshwaram-dam-disaster/ (08 May 2024)
July 2022 floods affected Medigadda: Experts Engineers and retired experts testified before the Judicial Commission headed by Justice PC Ghose on Sep 24 that the July 2022 floods were beyond all expectations and likely a primary cause of the damage to the Medigadda barrage. The heavy floods affected even the cement concrete blocks of the structure. The agencies responsible for implementing the project were informed about the damage caused by the floods. This communication highlighted the need for immediate attention to the affected areas. The commission inquired about the entities responsible for the project’s design and construction. It was told that WAPCOS was entrusted with preparing the designs and drawings for the barrage.
Additionally, site studies were conducted by the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Warangal before the construction commenced. https://telanganatoday.com/july-2022-floods-affected-medigadda-experts (25 Sept. 2024)
Huge water storage led to sinking of piers in Medigadda Senior engineers of engineering research laboratory (ERL) in the irrigation dept said Medigadda barrage block 7 piers sank and Annaram and Sundilla suffered leakages owing to storage of a huge quantity of water. They also said the problems surfaced as the authorities did not lift the gates despite the barrages receiving a huge flood. The engineers on Sept 20 appeared before the Justice PC Ghose Commission. They said the construction works began before model studies of the barrages could be completed. The engineers said after the studies were done, they furnished a report to the state govt suggesting rectification of baffle blocks & other changes in the project. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/huge-water-storage-led-to-sinking-of-piers-in-medigadda-engineers-to-ghose-panel/articleshow/113534738.cms (21 Sept. 2024)
Vattem pump house of PRLIS flooded Vattem pump house of the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS) was flooded a couple of days back with water from the chain-link tanks of Nagarkurnool entering the tunnel, surge-pool and pump house, flooding the pump house near Kummera village, Nagarkurnool. The incident came to light only on Sep 3 as the project authorities tried to keep it under the carpet. Chief Engineer of PRLIS at Nagarkurnool G. Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy confirmed that water had flooded the pump house and the pumping out of water (dewatering) was in progress.
According to the project engineers, the Vattem underground pump house being constructed to pump water into Venkatadri reservoir, was constructed with a capacity of 16.74 tmc ft, as part of the third stage of lifting in PRLIS. The surplus water of the chain-link tanks of Thudikurthi, Sripuram, Nagamalu and others first entered into one of the adits, a service tunnel used during the construction of underground pump houses, linked to the main tunnel, then surge pool, where water is stored to ensure the pumps get water for lifting with proper pressure, and then into the pump house itself.
Against erection of 10 pumps of 145 MW capacity each (9 for regular use & 1 as spare, work on 4 was completed & 5th was in progress. The damage caused to the pumps already fixed could be assessed only after dewatering the pump house. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/telangana-rains-vattem-pump-house-of-prlis-flooded-damage-to-be-assessed-after-dewatering/article68600026.ece (03 Sept. 2024)
Andhra Pradesh Polavaram Project Notice on coffer dam damage The high court on Feb 7 2024 issued notices to the state & Union govts in the PIL challenging the inaction of the state and Union govts in taking up restoration works of coffer dam in Polavaram project. The petition also sought to recover the damages from those responsible for damage to the coffer dam. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/high-court-notice-on-coffer-dam-damage-in-polavaram-project-vijayawada/articleshow/107509358.cms (8 Feb 2024) Further hearing in 4 weeks. V Rameshchandra Varma, an advocate from Amalapuram, sought action against the officials who permitted the construction of the diaphragm wall before the completion of upper coffer dam. Appearing for the petitioner, advocate M Rama Rao said as per the AP Reorganisation Act, Polavaram is a national project. Lack of proper planning has resulted in damage to the diaphragm wall incurring a loss of Rs 700 cr, he added. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2024/Feb/08/file-counters-on-polavaram-status-andhra-pradesh-high-court (08 Feb. 2024)
Probe initiated into seepage from upper cofferdam The AP Water Resources dept has begun an inquiry into the reasons for seepage of Godavari floodwater from the upper cofferdam of Polavaram irrigation project in Eluru dist. The probe is being done on the basis of recommendations of the international experts committee that recently visited the project site. “We are trying to stop seepage of water from both the cofferdams located upstream and downstream of the river, with the diaphragm wall and the ECRF coming up in between the two cofferdams,” they said. The authorities have dug up nearly 17 holes along the upper cofferdam and are going to fix piezo meters in five to six holes to gauge the pressure, the depth of the water etc. Once they identify the reasons for the seepage, this would help prepare designs to further strengthen the cofferdam and check the problem of water seepage. This would help construction of the proposed D-wall across the river, officials said.
The authorities are also facing seepage issue from the lower cofferdam downstream of the river mainly due to the backwaters. They plan to do an investigation to identify the reasons for seepage and address it. Polavaram project chief engineer in-charge Narasimha Murthy said, “The panel of international experts has recommended some steps to identify the reasons for seepage from the upper cofferdam, so that designs will be developed accordingly. We are expecting the interim report from the committee by the end of July.” https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/andhra-pradesh/polavaram-project-probe-initiated-into-seepage-of-water-from-upper-cofferdam-1811060 (18 July 2024)
Prakasam barrage damaged by ‘sand boats’ again As yet there is no statement from the govt if an independent inquiry will be conducted to understand where the five boats came from the upstream of Prakasham barrage, whom they belonged to and if they were indeed involved in illegal sand mining. There are no inquiry reports in public domain about the earlier incidents mentioned above. Such an independent inquiry is required considering the seriousness of the incident. https://sandrp.in/2024/09/04/andhra-pradesh-prakasam-barrage-damaged-by-sand-boats-again/ (04 Sept. 2024)
Inquiry on into boats damaging underway Home Minister V. Anitha said an inquiry is under way to find out how the boats crashed into the gates of the Prakasam Barrage. The WRD officials had lodged a complaint with the NTR Commissionerate Police on Sep 6, wherein they said that nobody came forward to claim the boats so far. “The police are inquiring into the case and suspects are being questioned. There are several doubts,” Ms. Anitha said on Sept 8. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/inquiry-on-into-boats-damaging-prakasam-barrage-gate-says-ap-home-minister-anitha/article68619044.ece (08 Sept. 2024)
Andhra Pradesh Efforts intensified to plug water leak from KORGR The WRD is making every effort to stop the leakage of water from the Kandula Obula Reddy Gundlakamma Reservoir (KORGR) project where the second crest gate was damaged and a part of it was washed away due to the increased inflows on Friday (Dec. 08, 2023) night. Project Chief Engineer Muralinadh Reddy, along with SE Abu Talim and other officials, is stationed at the project to supervise the execution of temporary stop-lock arrangement at the damaged gate. “A team of technical experts from Vijayawada arrived today and they are on the job to fix the stop-lock apparatus. Leakage is expected to be stopped by midnight,” he said.
The 3.86 TMC storage capacity KORGR project has about 2.4 TMC water at that time, the second crest gate was washed away, and by Saturday (Dec. 09, 2023) evening, water in the project leaked at a discharge rate of 1,600 cusecs downstream. The project staff tried to control the leakage and succeeded to some extent to arrange the stop-lock shield on the second crest gate. However, there is still some gap, and efforts are on to cover the same. By evening, the discharge rate was brought down to 1,000 cuesecs and to avoid any untoward incidents, people living downstream along the Gundlakamma river were put on alert. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2023/Dec/10/efforts-intensified-to-plug-water-leak-from-gundlakamma-reservoirproject-2640250.html (10 Dec. 2023) Flash floods triggered by cyclone Michaung has caused significant damage to the second crest gate at the Kandula Obula Reddy Gundlakamma reservoir in Prakasam district. Late on December 8 (Friday), one-third of the gate was washed away, and officials attributed it to rusting of bolts. It is the second such incident at the reservoir, the first being in August 2022. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/official-attributes-damage-to-second-crest-gate-at-gundlakamma-to-rusting-of-bolts/article67621614.ece (09 Dec. 2023) Over ₹600 crore has been pumped into the Obul Reddy Gundlakamma project with a view to bringing under irrigation 1.42 lakh acres in drought-prone Prakasam district. Yet, the farmers in Ongole, S.N.Padu and Addanki Assembly constitutencies are unable to fully reap the benefits of the project envisaged to store 3.86 tmcft of water in view of non-completion of the canal network and field channels thanks to cost and time overruns. Undue delay in rehabilitation of the oustee farmers in the tail-end Duddukuru village has hampered the implementation of the project. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/600-cr-goes-into-gundlakamma-but-water-yet-to-reach-ongole-farms/article21558803.ece (13 Dec. 2017)
Chhattisgarh Aug 2024: Mismanagement & Damages at Mahan-III HEP Disappointingly, the disaster management page on the Surajpur district website is totally blank. It is noteworthy that the Mahan-III HEP incident is followed by NDMC’s Iron Ore dam induced flood disaster in Dantewada dist in July 2024. In that case too the administration has so far not made the inquiry report public.
It appears, this incident will go the same way, suggesting the concerned govt depts and project proponent have no intention to draw essential lessons from the avoidable disasters time and again. https://sandrp.in/2024/08/30/august-2024-mismanagement-damages-mahan-iii-hep-in-chhattisgarh/ (30 Aug. 2024)
Madhya Pradesh Gandhi Sagar dam power generation hit by non-operational turbines Gandhi Sagar dam in Mandsaur is currently facing a setback due to non-operational status of three of its five turbine units, with a total installed capacity of 23 X 5 Mw. As of today, however, only two units (one Hitachi and one Siemens) are operational, producing a combined 29.5 MW. The remaining three units are undergoing maintenance and repairs, which were scheduled to be completed by Oct 25, 2024, but have been delayed.
The dam, which serves Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, is currently filled to its full capacity of 1312 feet. To meet the increasing irrigation demand of both states, a joint technical committee of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan recently decided to release 7500 cusecs of water. However, due to the reduced power generation capacity, only 2700 cusecs water is being discharged for power generation. The remaining water is being released through the Kota barrage for irrigation.
The delay in the maintenance and repair work of the three non-operational units has resulted in a shortfall in power generation and has necessitated the release of excess water without generating electricity. “One of the gates of the dam got jammed, which we are trying to open using all the available techniques and options. A team of professional divers has been hired, who are going to the bottom of the gate and placing hydraulic jacks to help in pulling it open,” power generation company managing director Manjeet Singh said.
He said that all possible efforts were being made to open the gate to pave the way for repairing the turbines. “We are expecting to finish the work in the days to come. However, only four out of five turbines will be functional as components of one of the turbines have already been used in fixing others,” Singh said. The MD said that a tender has been issued for replacement of turbines, which had a 30-year lifespan but have already served for more than 50 years. “The work of replacing the turbines is expected to take the next three years after the work is assigned,” he said. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/indore/gandhi-sagar-dams-power-generation-plummets-due-to-turbine-failures/articleshow/115095015.cms (9 Nov 2024)
Compiled by Bhim Singh Rawat (bhim.sandrp@gmail.com)
SANDRP 