Sambalpur: A nine-member joint inspection team from the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the World Bank visited Hirakud Dam on Saturday to assess plans for constructing an additional spillway under phase three of the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP).
The Rs 884-crore project, approved by the state cabinet, aims to bolster the dam’s flood-handling capacity in response to changing weather patterns. Currently, the dam can discharge up to 15 lakh cusecs of floodwater, but CWC estimates suggest future inflows could reach 25 lakh cusecs.
“The additional spillway is crucial for the dam’s safety given the projected increase in water inflow,” said Sushil Kumar Behera, chief engineer of the Mahanadi Basin. He added that construction is expected to begin in Apr.
During the visit, the team inspected both the right and left dykes, including areas where displacement of local residents will be necessary. They also reviewed technical documentation related to the proposed spillway.
CWC chief engineer Rakesh Kashyap said, “We are exploring various options for additional water discharge. While the tendering process is our immediate focus, the entire construction is expected to takearound three years.”