BHAWANIPATNA: Indravati project, considered the lifeline of Kalahandi, is facing acute problem of siltation. The water retention capacity of the project is gradually dwindling. The water level in the intake well is 627 metres against dead water level of 626.93 metres. Silt of more than 3 metres height has accumulated in front of the intake well leading to disruption in power generation as well as irrigation water supply since June 27.
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 National Underwater Service personnel in the process. General Manager of OHPC, Mukhiguda, Sunasir Bhoi said power generation at the reservoir may resume from July 12 after the path to intake well is cleaned up. He said besides inadequate rain in the catchment, siltation in the reservoir has emerged as a major problem.
The catchment of Indravati project covering 2,630 sq km lies mostly in Thuamul Rampur block and Bufla Mali mountain located in Kalahandi-Rayagada districts. The southern bank of the reservoir is located at the foothills of the mountain.
The sedimentation report of GMS Power Packs Limited, Hazra consulting engineers for Indravati project in the 90s, had depicted a dismal picture of growing sedimentation. However, no concrete steps were taken to address the issue. A siltation dam, constructed in 2002, was washed away the next year.
Sesadev Behera, a social activist from Jaipatna, said at this rate of siltation, the life span of Indravati project will be reduced to 50 per cent. He said denudation of forest cover in the catchment area and mining activities in Bafla Mali mountain has made matters worse.