**Hospet:** In a concerning turn of events, the chain link of the 19th gate of the Tungabhadra Dam in Hospet broke while the gates were being closed, leading to a significant water loss. Approximately 60 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet) of water was wasted as it escaped from the dam and flowed into the Tungabhadra River. This incident has sparked fears among the residents of Raichur, Bellary, Vijayanagar, and the surrounding regions, as the release of such a large volume of water has posed potential risks to the communities along the riverbanks.

In response to this incident, local authorities, including MLAs, have already visited the affected areas to assess the situation. Due to the increased water flow, the bridge at Gangavathi has become a point of concern, and traffic has been halted as a precautionary measure.

H.R.S. Gangavati Group Leader, Raja Saab, along with his team, promptly arrived at the site to evaluate the situation. He also engaged in discussions with the local residents, who expressed their concerns about the incident. Many locals believe that negligence may have played a role in this disaster and are urging the government to take immediate action to prevent further water loss and ensure the safety of the farmers who rely on this water for irrigation.

Additionally, Asgar Khan, the Zonal Leader of Raichur, is actively involved in managing the situation on the ground. To further ensure the safety of the affected communities, HRS General Secretary, Mr. Mohammed Markaka, has instructed volunteers in the nearby areas of Bellary and Hospet to remain on high alert. This proactive step aims to safeguard the affected regions and minimize potential damage caused by the excessive water flow.

The incident highlights the need for stringent maintenance and monitoring of critical infrastructure like the Tungabhadra Dam to prevent such occurrences in the future.