Archive · 18 Jun 2025
Somasila Dam Repairs Delayed Over Pending Government Dues
Imagine a big water holder called Somasila Dam.
It's like a giant bathtub for water used for drinking and helping plants grow.
The dam got hurt by a storm in 2020, and needs fixing, especially a part called the apron that protects the ground.
But the people in charge haven't paid the construction company, so the repairs stopped.
The company is waiting for `6 crore before they can continue.
Only a little bit of the fix is done.
Now, with the rainy season coming, the dam could have problems, like water washing away the ground.
People are worried they won't be fixed in time.
Repairs to the Somasila Dam are stalled due to `6 crore in unpaid bills.
The dam's apron, damaged in 2020 by Cyclone Nivar, requires repair.
Officials initiated a repair plan in 2021 with an estimated cost of `99 crore.
Only 30% of the repair work has been completed to date.
Officials warn of potential risks to the dam during the approaching monsoon season.
- Who
- The contractor, the government, and project engineers are involved; communities relying on the dam are affected.
- What
- Repairs to the Somasila Dam, specifically its apron, are incomplete due to unpaid bills.
- When
- Work began in August 2021 but stalled multiple times; repairs should restart by September.
- Where
- Somasila Dam in SPSR Nellore district.
- Why
- Delays in government payments to the contractor have halted critical repair work needed to ensure the dam's safety, especially during the monsoon season.
Contractor's View
Government's View
Payment Delays
Contractor's View
Contractor unable to continue work without timely payments.
Government's View
Government has delayed payments, leading to work stoppages.
- Dam Name
- Somasila Dam
- District
- SPSR Nellore
- Damage Cause
- Cyclone Nivar (2020)
- Repair Cost Estimate
- `99 crore
- Unpaid Bills
- `6 crore
- Work Completion
- 30%