Dam Safety Authority Flags High-Risk Condition at Singur

The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) has issued an urgent directive to the Telangana government following alarming findings at the Singur Dam on the Manjeera River. The dam, with a gross capacity of 29.91 TMC, is now limited to 20 TMC to reduce pressure on its compromised structure. Inspections revealed extensive distress, including longitudinal cracks along the embankment top, tilted parapet walls, and severely disturbed revetments on the upstream slope.

A detailed inspection by the Dam Safety Review Panel (DSRP) highlighted that reservoir levels were consistently maintained above the original design limit of 517.8 metres, reaching up to 522 metres in recent years. This long-term overloading has contributed to slope instability and settlement of protective stone revetments. The review panel also found incomplete downstream apron works on the spillway, exposing foundation rock and raising concerns of erosion and structural weakening during high outflows.

The NDSA has ordered immediate repair and rehabilitation measures, requiring an action plan submission by August 21, 2025. As part of urgent interventions, officials have lowered storage, reinforced embankments with sandbags, and opened one crest gate to release excess water. With several critical water resource projects located downstream, including the Manjeera Barrage and Nizamsagar Dam, ensuring the structural stability of Singur Dam is a matter of regional safety and water security.