VISAKHAPATNAM: With the Polavaram project’s water set to enter North Coastal Andhra soon, the focus has shifted to strengthening the infrastructure of the Meghadri Gedda Reservoir, one of Visakhapatnam’s primary drinking water sources. Experts have long recommended replacing all six of the reservoir’s nearly five-decade-old spillway gates to ensure it can safely handle higher inflows in years ahead.
A team from the Water Resources Department, comprising Executive Engineer Vijaya Sarathi of the Central Designs Organisation (CDO), consultant KV Krishna Rao and district engineers, recently inspected the reservoir and examined the existing gates, along with their roller mechanisms and stop-log systems.
Commissioned on September 27, 1977, the reservoir has continued to function with its original spillway gates. While four gates remain operational, two have been out of service for several years. Gate No. 1 has remained inoperative for nearly two decades, while Gate No. 6 has been non-functional for around 15 years.
It is imperative to keep all 6 Meghadri spillway gates fully operational: Official
The reservoir receives inflows from the Meghadri Gedda, Narava Gedda and Korramma Gedda streams, besides nearly 60 upstream tanks. Once Polavaram water is diverted into the system and drying periods of heavy rainfall, officials expect inflows to increase, making the operation of all six spillway gates essential for effective reservoir management.
An official of the Water Resources Department, speaking on condition of anonymity explained that the recommendation is part of a forward-looking preparedness plan rather than a response to any immediate structural concern. “With additional water expected from the Polavaram project and heavy inflows during heavy rainfall, it is important that all spillway gates are fully operational so surplus inflows can be regulated efficiently whenever required,” the official noted.
The department had initially prepared a proposal of Rs 5.75 crore to replace the two non-functional gates after former District Collector indicated that funding could be explored through the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC). However, following a detailed technical assessment, the Central Designs Organisation recommended replacing all six gates instead of undertaking partial repairs. The revised proposal, estimated to cost Rs 6 crore to Rs 7 crore, also includes replacement of the roller assemblies and stop-log arrangements. Once approved, fabrication and installation are expected to take about six to seven months.
Officials acknowledged that financial constraints have delayed the project over the years. They pointed out that even routine maintenance activities such as repainting the gates have been difficult because of limited funds.
According to department records, GVMC, which draws around 1.28 million cubic feet of drinking water every day from the reservoir, has pending dues exceeding Rs 50 crore.