Chhattisgarh’s Lack Of Cooperation Leading To Flood Condition In Mahanadi In Odisha, Says Hirakud Dam Chief Engineer

Sambalpur: With heavy inflow of rainwater from upper catchment areas of Mahanadi in Chhattisgarh leading Hirakud dam authorities in Odisha’s Sambalpur to open 24 sluice gates to release excess water in reservoir, chief engineer of the dam has accused the neighbouring state of not cooperating in flood management.

Speaking to media persons on Saturday, Chief Engineer of Hirakud dam Ananda Sahoo alleged that Chhattisgarh authorities were not informing their Odisha counterparts before opening the sluice gates of the dams over Mahanadi.

As a result, Hirakud dam was receiving heavy inflow without notice forcing the authorities to open the gates. It may lead to flood-like situation in the downstream of the river, he added.

Till 9 am on Saturday, the inflow to Hirakud was 4,35,303 lakh cusec while 3,49,498 lakh cusec was being released. The water level in the reservoir stood at 616.91 feet which was around 50% of its capacity.

He further said despite repeated attempts on part of Hirakud authorities their Chhattisgarh counterparts were not responding not furnishing any information. “Engineer-in-charge (water resources) and I have tried many times. Chief engineer (dam safety) also tried to hold discussions with Chhattisgarh. But, the neighbouring state stalled all our attempts,” he added.

“Last year also, Chhattisgarh had not responded to our repeated letters and calls. In 2020, Chhattisgarh withdrew from a video conference midway citing a technical snag. The last coordination meeting between the two states was held in 2019,” Sahoo said.

However, he said the director of Central Water Commission (CWC) held talks with Chhattisgarh government on Friday and a meeting has been fixed on August 23.