The cracks, developed in the Power House drainage and discharge gallery adjacent to the Hirakud Dam, pose no threat to the dam, said Power House chief engineer SN Das.
Das informed that an expert team would make a two-day visit Burla from June 3 to inspect and make appropriate suggestions to the State Government on the cracks leading to water leakage in the Power House.
He said water seepage in the gallery is not new as it has been occurring for the last 4 or 5 years. However, he conceded that the amount of leakage has increased of late and said the matter has been taken to the notice of the Energy and Water Resources Departments.
Stating that there is no danger to the dam due to the seepage, he said water supply to the turbine in the Power House is channeled through the pen-stock, which is then discharged through the power channel. Water is leaking from the gallery while it is on the channel to the turbine and while it is being discharged.
Hirakud Dam division Superintending Engineer Rabindra Panda also clarified that there is no danger to the dam due to the water leakage in the Power House gallery.