BHUBANESWAR: Even as Odisha’s dispute with Chhattisgarh over Mahanadi river water is yet to be resolved amicably, another conflict looms large because of construction of 12 dams and barrages by the Jharkhand Government on Shankha and Koel rivers, two tributaries of Brahmani river.
The construction activities on the tributaries of Brahmani, the second longest river after Mahanadi in Odisha, have given rise to concerns that monsoon and non-monsoon flow of water may be reduced in the river. Construction of six more dams and barrages on the two tributaries is continuing.
The Odisha Government has so far not taken the issue seriously as is evident from the fact that a barrage and a bridge at Baikuntha Ghat on Koel river near Rourkela, the foundation stone for which was laid by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik three years back, is yet to be started. On the other hand, moves have started to cancel the barrage project at Baikuntha Ghat and construct a pickup weir at Hamirpur, a place lower down the Koel river course.
The issue came to fore in a written reply by the Chief Minister to a question from Dilip Ray (BJP). The Jharkhand Government has already constructed dams and barrages at Chhinda, Larua, Ramrekha, Tapkara, Uparsankha, Guccha Upa, Dhansingtoli, Jayapur, Latratu, Masharia, Nandini and Paras. Barrages are under construction by the Jharkhand Government at Kansjor in Simdega district, Katri and Kansa in Gumla district and Satpotka in West Singhbhum district. Besides, Basuki dam at Ranchi and Sukri dam at Lohardaga on Koel river are also under construction. While Uparsankha dam at Gumla is a hydel power project, other projects are meant for irrigation purposes.
An estimate of `446 crore was made for the dam project at Bainkuntha Ghat on Koel river. The Chief Minister, however, said due to problem of land acquisition for the dam project, a proposal for construction of a pickup weir at Hamirpur is under consideration. Preliminary investigation for the proposed pickup weir has been completed. The cost estimate for the project will be finalised after the design work is over, he said.
Jharkhand action
Dams and barrages at Chhinda, Larua, Ramrekha, Tapkara, Uparsankha, Guccha Upa, Dhansingtoli, Jayapur, Latratu, Masharia, Nandini and Paras already constructed
Barrages at Kansjor, Katri, Kansa, Satpotka and Basuki dam at Ranchi and Sukri dam at Lohardaga under construction
Odisha inaction
A barrage on Koel river at Bainkuntha Ghat near Rourkela yet to be started while its foundation stone was laid by Chief Minister three years back
Move to cancel the barrage project and construct a pickup weir at Hamirpur, a place lower down Koel river