The employees of the Hirakud Dam project came forward with all cooperation on the day of the opening of the sluice gates. But at the same time, they showed their dissatisfaction by wearing black badges since their genuine demands remain unfulfilled since long. And, the main one is concerning filling up of large scale vacancies.
“When the Hirakud Dam came to operation in the year 1958, there were 1,200 permanent employees working in the project. But it has come down to only 300 now,” alleged Bamdev Sarangi, advisor of the Hirakud Dam Employees Union and also all other employees.
Speaking about the main dam, which is the epicenter of all activities, including flood control, opening of gates and maintenance etc., the employees said that 400 people were working here at the beginning. But that number is now only 40 and it is well imagined how difficult it is to work with such less number of staff.
And the task is herculean especially during the monsoon when gates are opened to discharge flood water to river Mahanadi, the staff informed. “Opening of gates apart, annual maintenance of gates is also being done during this short period but with the all difficulty due to less staff,” they said.
The employees and the union leaders further alleged that they, for a number of times, have informed the Chief Minister, the Minister for Water Resources, and all other competent authorities, including local MlA, but to no effect.
They also narrated the problems the dam is facing due to shortage of staff.
“This may even shatter dam safety during monsoon and thereby create a catastrophe,” warned Aswini Kumar Patnaik, working president of the union.
“Hence, we demand that for the greater interest of the people of the State, the Government must come forward to fill up the vacancies with worthy persons so that the activities of the dam can go smoothly,” they demanded.