Bhawanipatna: Upper Indravati project, considered the lifeline of Kalahandi district, is facing twin problems of security and siltation. The water retention capacity of the reservoir is gradually dwindling.
Catchment area of Indravati project, covering 2,630 sq km, lies mostly in Thuamul Rampur block and Buflamali mountain range located in Kalahandi-Rayagada districts. The catchment area has little plant cover, which is leading to siltation. The southern bank of the reservoir is located at the foothills of the mountain where bauxite mining is carried out.
The water level in the intake well is 627 metres against dead water level of 626.93 metres. Silt of more than 3 metres high has accumulated in front of the intake well leading to disruption in power generation as well as irrigation water supply.
The task of silt and debris clearance at the reservoir near the intake well has been taken up by the Odisha Hydro Power Corporation which has engaged the National Underwater Service personnel for the task.
Sesadev Behera, a social activist from Jaipatna, said due to siltation, the life span of Indravati project is reducing fast. He said denudation of forest cover in the catchment area and mining activities in Buflamali mountain area have made matters worse. There is an immediate need for massive plantation in the catchment area, he added.
The project consists of four dams on rivers Indravati, Podagad, Kapur and Muran apart from eight dykes, surge shaft, valve house, power house and a barrage over river Hati in the downhill. To guard these installations, there are only a handful of security guards who are armed with just lathis. Except the power house, the irrigation project is open for everyone.
General Manager of Odisha Hydro Power Corporation, Mukhiguda, Sunasir Bhoi, said as private security guards have been hired on contractual basis to guard the vital installations of the project so far, there has been no problem.
Kalahandi SP B Gangadhar Rao said if the project authorities place a requisition, necessary steps will be taken by the police administration for the security of the project.
PNN