At least 10 people got trapped in Damodar river when a suddenly release of water from the reservoir of Tenughat dam led to a surge in the water level in the river at Chandrapura in Bokaro district at 4.30 pm on Friday.
People trapped into the intake well constructed by Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), found shelter on a big stone in the middle of the river. Five rescue teams struggling hard to save them.
DC Bokaro Uma Shankar Singh along with other administrative officials have rushed to the spot. The DC said gate of the dam has been closed but currents in the water are on a high, hindering the rescues operation. “Soon all will be saved”, he said.
According to the eyewitness, people entered into river’s intake well to catch fish. Suddenly dam water was released which led to a surge in water level with very fast current in the river.
Soon after getting the information, Durmi MlA Jagarnath Matho also rushed on the spot to take an account of rescue operation.
“Many villagers along with the rescue teams are trying to save them,” said Jitender Singh SP Bokaro.
Rescue persons and fishermen failed to reach them due to high current in water. As soon as the water current slow down the rescue team will move to bring them out,
SP said. Pre-monsoon rain on Thursday sudden increase the water level in the reservoir of Tenughat dam, for the security of the dam water was released in the river, reason behind the incidents, sources said.
DVC officials along with CISF security cops were also on the spot and waiting for the currents to slow down.
Notably, adjoining States of Jharkhand were supposed to inform the State Government regarding their activity related to the water movement in their dams beforehand, so that action could be taken in time.
The State Government was being assured that any additional release of water from the dams in Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh will be coordinated with Jharkhand government.
Release of water from dams in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha causes much damage to Jamsehdpur, East Singhbhum and Saraikela-Kharsawan districts in the State.