Minister seeks eco-friendly approach to dam alignment project

A minister overseeing the project has urged stakeholders to prioritize environmental considerations while developing practical solutions for the proposed Tummidihatti dam alignment. The push comes as planners evaluate technical specifications for the infrastructure development, which involves significant changes to water storage capacity. The proposed full reservoir level (FRL) of 152 metres would substantially increase the dam's water retention capabilities compared to the current 148-metre level. At the higher FRL, storage capacity would expand to 5.697 trillion cubic feet from 2.182 trillion cubic feet, more than doubling the project's storage potential. This expansion would significantly enhance water availability for irrigation, power generation, and other downstream benefits. However, the minister's emphasis on ecological considerations reflects growing awareness of environmental impacts associated with large-scale water infrastructure projects in the region. The department has called for feasibility studies that account for environmental mitigation measures, local community concerns, and long-term sustainability factors. Officials are expected to present comprehensive assessments that demonstrate how the project can proceed while minimizing ecological disruption and maintaining regulatory compliance with environmental protection standards.