Kolhapur : The main wall of the 70-year-old Radhanagari dam remains structurally strong, with only minor density variations detected at a few locations, according to a density test report submitted to the water resources department.
Of the 10 boreholes drilled in the stone masonry wall, only three recorded density levels below the prescribed standard. “The standard density is considered to be 2.5 grams per cubic centimetre. Of 10 boreholes drilled in the main wall, three recorded a density of 2.2 grams per cubic centimetre. CWPRS carried out the density test using the nuclear bore logging method between June 16 and 20. Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj laid the foundation stone of the dam in 1907, and water storage began in 1954 after the project was completed.
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The lower density at these locations increases the possibility of leakage, and further measures may be required,” said Praveen Parkar, deputy engineer at Radhanagari dam. Officials said the lower readings do not indicate any immediate structural threat but warrant preventive action and continued monitoring. Parkar said CWPRS would recommend suitable remedial measures based on the findings. The expert committee’s inspection and its recommendations will help determine the measures required to maintain the dam’s safety,” he said. Officials said those measures successfully arrested the leakages and reinforced the structure.
The test, conducted by the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), found that the dam’s overall condition remains sound despite its age. “The third phase of the dam-strengthening work will be undertaken after the proposed dam rehabilitation scheme is completed. Minor leakages surfaced about two decades later, prompting strengthening work in the 1970s through grouting and stone support. Download the TOI App.
A seven-member expert committee constituted under the Dam Safety Act, 2021, is expected to inspect the dam later this month. The findings come amid growing focus on the safety of ageing dams across the country. The panel will assess the structure and submit its report directly to the Union ministry of Jal Shakti.