Balimela Dam Gate Repair Work Taken Up On War Footing

Malkangiri: Authorities of the Balimela Dam project in Odisha’s Malkangiri district have undertaken the repair work of the emergency gate of the dam on a war footing to check the continuous flow of Sileru river water to the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

The dam authorities till date have failed to close the roller gate which was opened a month ago.

Talking to media persons, Superintending Engineer of the Balimela project Binod Mishra said as per the instruction of the Engineer-in-Chief, the repair work is going on.

He said the reservoir level which had remained constant since last three days at 1,458 cusecs has gone up to nearly six inches at 1,458.17 cusecs today.

While Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have equal 50 percent share of water. However, water flow to Andhra Pradesh has decreased due to the repair work of the gate.

Superintending Engineer of Upper Sileru project, S Mohan Rao said his state needs 2500 cusecs of water for its Rabi crop.

“We have neither wasted water and nor taken more than our share. It is fine for two to three days but if the water flow is checked continuously we will face problems as there is a need of 2500 cusec water for irrigation. If the tunnel is closed, the Odisha government has to provide water through the sluice gates,” Rao pointed out.

However, Mishra said the claim of the Andhra Pradesh government would be decided in the water board meeting which will be held very soon.

“We will place the demand of the Andhra Pradesh government at the next meeting and take a final decision in this regard,” he added.