Baglihar to have a third diversion tunnel

Three months after flash floods hit the region, the State Power Development Corporation is working to salvage the flag-ship Baglihar Hydel P...

Three months after flash floods hit the region, the State Power Development Corporation is working to salvage the flag-ship Baglihar Hydel Power Project (BHP).

After facing huge losses and delay, the authorities have decided to construct third diversion tunnel to drain out the accumulated water due to recent rains.

Both the diversion tunnels (DT I and II) have blocked due to which huge amount of water has accumulated in the dam. This water blockade has affected work at the BHP and caused financial loss.

Two senior geologists from Central Water Commission (CWC) will visit Jammu on Saturday to analyse the situation.

Sources said that senior engineers and construction company of the Baglihar tunnel have decided to construct third diversion tunnel to drain out the water. However some experts had also suggested to make a hole in the dam.

B. L. Garu, Chief Engineer, BHP, told he Indian Express that the two diversion tunnels have been designed to discharge up to 5,500 cusecs at 808 MASL or 3000 cusecs at 750 MASL.

‘‘It is a normal engineering practice to plan the river diversion works during non monsoon periods. These diversion tunnels have been designed in accordance with the 25 year return flood estimated as 3000 cusecs,’’ said Garu.

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Experts in the J&K State Power Development Corporation said that the diversion tunnels are temporary structures, which are closed in due course of time.