Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal breach leads to water loss in Koppal

A breach in the Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal, located between Basapur and Bandiharlapur villages in Koppal taluk, resulted in the loss of large quantities of water late on Tuesday (March 18, 2026) night.

Officials stated that the breach occurred near the 13th-mile stretch between Basapur and Bandiharlapur villages, where the canal was carrying water released to fill tanks in Koppal and Raichur districts to meet drinking water requirements. The discharge had been resumed based on available storage in the Tungabhadra Reservoir, after being suspended earlier due to crest gate installation works.

Irrigation Department sources said seepage had been noticed earlier at a point weakened by rodent burrows. Sandbags were placed to contain the leakage, but the canal bund gave way, resulting in the breach and the flow of water into adjoining agricultural fields.

Following directions from the Kalaburagi Regional Commissioner, water was being released into the canal at 2,000 cusecs from March 16, and it was to continue till March 27, to fill tanks along the 0-104 mile stretch in view of summer drinking water needs in urban and rural areas.

Officials said efforts were underway to plug the breach and assess the extent of damage.