Mysuru: The Cauvery Neeravari Nigam (CNN) has taken up the annual maintenance work of KRS dam crest gates at a cost of Rs. 5 lakh.

The work, which began about five days ago, is likely to be completed in a fortnight.

Speaking to Star of Mysore today morning, CNN Executive Engineer K. Basavarajegowda said that there were 152 flood gates (also called as crest gates or surplus sluices) in the dam that need annual maintenance which is usually taken up before the onset of monsoon.

As part of the maintenance work, gate experts along with the operators would remove rust from these crest gates, apply grease, give a fresh coat of paint, undertake welding, oiling, movement verification etc., he added.

He said that these 152 flood gates have been divided into three categories such as River Sluices, which are the lowest level gates used to release water into the river in critical situations; Irrigation Sluices, three gates each in north and south directions, which are above River Sluices and Storing Sluices or Silt Gates, which are not being used now.

This apart, the CNN is also undertaking Dam Safety inspection and the works are being supervised by the CNN Executive  Engineer and staff.