‘Koyna Dam safe’

The quake that jolted Western Maharashtra did not cause any damage to dams in the region,irrigation officials said. The epicenter of the quake was near Ghoshatwadi in Patan taluka,only 10.4 km from Koyna dam that has the largest hydroelectric project in the country. The dam,144 km from Pune,falls in earthquake zone 4 and has a current storage of 54.5 TMC water,which is around 50 per cent of its capacity. Irrigation officials said the dam,which was strengthened a few years ago,did not incur any damage. “Immediately after the tremors were felt,the superintending engineer inspected the dam for any damage. No damage has been located at the dam,” said Deepak Modak,chief engineer,Koyna dam. Officials said all dams in Pune district including those that provide water to the city,are safe.

“No aberration was observed in the inspection carried out post the shocks,” said Shivaji Bolbhat,executive engineer,Khadakwasla dam.