The gates of Seekasar dam on Pairi river in Gariaband district which was opened up to three feet for safety reasons was closed when the rainfall stopped after a week on Wednesday night.
The dam is now fulled up to 80 per cent of its capacity and the water was previously drained out in view of the risk associated with fresh water force getting built on the lower side of the dam during rainfall.SDO of Seekasar Gl Sahu said that new water force had developed on lower side of the dam and this is a risk on the structure. Therefore the gate was opened to reduce water in the dam in view of heavy rainfall for the past few days. The gate was closed when the rainfall stopped on Wednesday evening, added Sahu.
The capacity of the Seekasar dam in Rajim area is 7025 mcft. Earlier also some portion of the dam was damaged by the excessive water force and an amount of Rs 7 crore was provided by the government for its repair and maintenance. The previous water force was checked but once again it has started due to excessive rainfall and flow of storm water from hills.The officers said that a 'shootfall' should be constructed to check the erosion at early stage. The water force will go on increasing with time and if unchecked will prove risky for the dam, the officers said.