The leakage from units-6 and 7 of the drainage and discharge gallery of the Hirakud powerhouse gallery cannot be stopped completely, claims a retired senior engineer.
“The leakage has occurred several years back. Though it does not pose any threat to the dam, there should be no laxity on the part of State Government. It ought to take serious note of such issues of utmost importance and make serious efforts towards round-the-clock maintenance of the dam,” said Karunakar Supakar, former Managing Director of Odisha Hydro Power Corporation (OHPC) at a Press briefing here on Sunday.
Referring to the management of Hirakud water, Supakar alleged that the State Government has imposed restriction on hydropower generation from the dam as it is not willing to bring the water level of the reservoir down to 585 feet with a view to supplying water to industrial establishments, which is not a right decision. On the plight of the people who were displaced during the construction of the dam, he said a majority of the families are yet to receive compensation from the Government.
“It is shameful that the compensation amount to the dam project oustees is being described as ‘ex-gratia’ by the Govt,” he said and demanded that the compensation to all families be paid as per prevailing market price.