CoEP experts to find solution over the increasing leakage in the concrete wall of Venna Lake dam

CoEP experts to find solution over the increasing leakage in the concrete wall of Venna Lake dam

Pune: Experts from College of Engineering, Pune (CoEP), will visit Venna Lake in Mahabaleshwar on Sunday to solve a leakage problem at the concrete wall of the dam. 25 villages and twin tourist attractions Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani depend on Venna Lake for water.

"The State Irrigation Department had send us a letter four months ago about a small leakage. The leakage was found at a corner and immediately repaired. Later, the follow-up of the condition of the leakage was pending due to a communication gap. Now, we have learnt that the leakage has expanded. Therefore, we have planned a revisit to the place to inspect and assess the leakage," said Professor of Applied Mechanics at CoEP, BG Birajdar, who will visit the site on Sunday. 

In 1994, the Water Resource Department in Sangli started building a dam, which was completed in 2007. The dam stores 56 Million Cubic Meter (MCM) water, which is supplied to the twin tourist destinations of Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani.

The leakage of water is about 50 litres per second when the dam is full. However, the water level has not reduced at the lake due to rains. "There is no need to panic or fear as there is no threat of the dam breaking. We have called for consultants to get a long-term solution on the issue," said Vijay Ghogre, Superintending Engineer of Satara.

Earlier, in February 2016, Officers from Acerlor Mittal Distribution Solution India Pvt Ltd had visited the lake and suggested use of steel sheet pipe technology, which would cost Rs 3.30 crore. Later, various government bodies had visited the site and suggested an RCC Cut off wall. However, this technique can be used only when water storage is less.

A leakage was found and repaired at the wall in 2008 as well.

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