Sathanur dam gets new sluice gates after decades
The Hindu
This will be enable storage of rainwater up to the dam’s total height of 119 ft.
The decades-old rusted sluice gates of the Sathanur dam across Thenpennai river in Tiruvannamalai has been replaced as part of repairs taken up recently.
Officials said the renovations were implemented by the Water Resources Department (WRD) under the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) to strengthen the dilapidated structure, especially its corroded sluice gates. “The repair work was laborious since it was started in 2020, amid the peak of the pandemic,” B. Rajesh, Assistant Engineer, WRD (Sathanur dam), told The Hindu.
Built in 1958, the Sathanur dam has a total capacity of 7,321 mcft and a total height of 119 ft. The dam helps irrigate 50,000 acres of farmlands in Tiruvannamalai and Villupuram and stores water in 88 tanks in the districts, which is used to supply at least 150 villages and major towns, including Chengam and Tiruvannamalai town.
Officials said the sluice gates of the dam had not been repaired since its construction in 1958. Of the 20 sluices, nine are 20 ft. high and the rest are 15 ft., all of them having a width of 40 ft. So far, water was only stored up to 99 ft. considering the age of the sluice gates. At least 150 workers were employed to complete the replacement work.
“From this monsoon, the Sathanur dam can store excess rainwater up to its total height of 119 ft. An audit of the dam’s safety will also be done,” Mr. Rajesh said. The Sathanur dam was repaired at a cost of ₹90 crore, which included the construction of 201 housing quarters and the laying of a 15-km bitumen road around the dam.
Officials said the need for repairs of the dam arose after a sluice gate collapsed in the Krishnagiri Reservoir Project (KRP) Dam in November 2017. Subsequently, the Public Works Ministry and the Union Water Resources Ministry organised a dam safety audit in the State. With funds from the World Bank, it was identified that 66 dams of the WRD needed urgent repairs.
M. Suhaib, Additional District Judge, Kozhikode, suspended for alleged misconduct towards female court employee in official chamber.
Foundation laid for new auditorium at Sivakasi Government Arts and Science College with financial support from local businesses.
Telangana to introduce new clean energy policy to meet rising energy demands sustainably, aiming for 20,000 MW renewable capacity by 2030.
The girl, who was admitted to Aster CMI Hospital with alarming breathlessness and significant pallor, was diagnosed with Wegener’s Granulomatosis (now known as Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis or GPA), a rare autoimmune condition that causes spontaneous bleeding in the lungs, leading to acute respiratory failure.
Puzhal prison officials investigate fire accident that destroyed old files and cardboard boxes, possibly caused by prisoners.
ACB files case against IPS officer N. Sanjay in Andhra Pradesh. The official is accused of manipulating the tender processes for awarding contract for development and maintenance of AGNI-NOC portal, and conducting awareness meetings for SC/STs. It is alleged that the total value of properties stolen, or involved in the case is estimated at ₹1,75,86,600.
The holiday season spanning from Christmas to New Year has seen a surge in tourists visiting Mysuru with the hospitality sector announcing 100 per cent occupancy for the entire duration.
BJP leader and former MP, Prathap Simha, has backed the Mysuru City Corporation’s (MCC) proposal to name a stretch of KRS road in the city after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Tourists flock to Visakhapatnam and Alluri Sitharama Raju districts for holidays, leading to full occupancy in hotels and attractions.
Umayalpuram Swaminatha Iyer's legacy in music and teachings remembered through stories and memories of his disciples and students.
Kalaburagi District Police Dog Squad bids emotional farewell to Reeta, a crucial part of operations and investigations.