NIO scientists studying threats to Srisailam dam

Srisailam project: A team of senior scientists from the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), headed by Dr Murthy, is studying whether the ditch formed in the plunge pool area of the Srisailam dam poses any threat to the dam structure. 

On account of the mother of all floods that occurred in 2009, a huge ditch has been created in the dam’s plunge pool area. The objective of the team is to study how deep is the ditch? Are there any craters to it? The team is studying various parameters with the help of the underwater videography. 

It also studies whether there are any changes noticed in the ditch compared to the last time. A report would be submitted to the dam safety committee. Dam’s superintending engineer Mallikarjuna Reddy said that the government would not compromise on the dam’s safety. 

If there are any repairs to be undertaken, they should be over by the onset of monsoon later this year, he added. He said that a report would be submitted to his superiors soon. Executive Engineer Varahalu, divisional engineer Rajababu and assistant engineer Chittibabu were also present.