Three States Close Ranks on Tungabhadra Basin

SUBJECT: GEOGRAPHY

Context

Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana have reached a historic consensus to strengthen cooperation on the Tungabhadra River basin, aiming to safeguard farmers’ interests, improve irrigation infrastructure, and promote sustainable water management.

• The consensus was announced during the inauguration of 33 newly installed spillway gates of the Tungabhadra Dam at Vijayanagara, Karnataka, enhancing the dam’s safety and operational efficiency.
• The meeting was attended by the Chief Ministers of the three States along with the Union Minister for Jal Shakti, reflecting the spirit of cooperative federalism in resolving inter-State water issues.

Key Decisions

• Desilting of the Tungabhadra Reservoir
  • Around 33 TMC ft of silt has accumulated in the reservoir, significantly reducing its live storage capacity.
  • The Union Government will provide technical support for the dredging (desilting) project in collaboration with all three States.
  • The initiative is part of a broader national programme to improve reservoir storage and water-use efficiency.

What is Siltation?

• Siltation is the accumulation of sediments carried by rivers into reservoirs.
• Impacts:
  • Reduces live storage capacity.
  • Decreases irrigation potential.
  • Lowers hydropower generation.
  • Weakens flood moderation capacity.
• Major Causes:
  • Soil erosion.
  • Deforestation.
  • Unsustainable land-use practices.
  • Catchment area degradation.
• Mitigation Measures:
  • Periodic desilting.
  • Catchment area treatment.
  • Afforestation.
  • Watershed management.

Tungabhadra River – Quick Facts (UPSC Prelims)

• River System: Major peninsular river and the largest tributary of the Krishna River.
• States: Flows through Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
• Religious Significance: Revered in Hindu tradition and identified with the Pampa River mentioned in the Ramayana.

Origin

• Formed at Koodli near Shivamogga (Karnataka) by the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers.
• Both rivers originate on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats.

Course

• Length: 531 km
• Flows:
  • 382 km in Karnataka.
  • 58 km along the Karnataka–Andhra Pradesh border.
  • 91 km in Andhra Pradesh.
• Joins the Krishna River at Sangameswaram (Andhra Pradesh).
• The Krishna River finally drains into the Bay of Bengal.

Catchment Area

• 69,552 sq. km (up to its confluence with the Krishna River).

Important Features

• The region between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers is known as the Raichur Doab.
• The basin is characterized by striking granite landscapes, especially around Hampi.
• The river is primarily fed by the Southwest Monsoon.

Major Tributaries

• Varada River
• Hagari (Vedavathi) River

Major Dams

• Tungabhadra Dam
• Bhadra Dam
• Tunga Anicut
• Hemavathi Dam

Cultural Importance

• Hampi, the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.

Why is this important?

The agreement demonstrates how cooperative federalism, scientific reservoir management, and sustainable water governance can help address inter-State water challenges while enhancing irrigation security, agricultural productivity, and climate resilience.