SAMBALPUR: The power dam at Hirakud is safe. This has been informed by New Delhi-based Central Soil and Material Research Station (CSMRS), which was entrusted with the task of ascertaining the condition of Hirakud dam by undertaking underwater scanning with the help of remote operated vehicles (ROV).
Hirakud Dam Project Executive Engineer Jashobanta Parida said the CSMRS findings claim that the fine cracks of the power dam portion are intact and safe.
Some wide and fine cracks were found at the concrete portion of spillway of Hirakud dam before 1990s. The Hirakud Dam Cracks Review Panel and Dam Safety Review Panel had suggested treatment of the wide cracks, which was done in the 90s.
However, the fine cracks were not treated at that time. The CSMRS was asked to assess the present condition of the cracks, which were noticed before 1990s. The CSMRS started the underwater scanning on December 7 last year using ROV in two phases. The CSMRS sources said it will take sometime before the scanning result is analysed and final report submitted.