Sambalpur: Work on the additional spillway at the left dyke of Hirakud Dam on River Mahanadi is likely to begin October 24, an official source said. The project will be jointly carried out by Tata Projects limited and AGE Group of Turkey, executive engineer of the project Basant Rout said.
Earlier, forest and environment clearance for the project had been availed. But, the official had decided to start the work on the project after the monsoon. Rout indicated earlier the work on the project would begin by October-end. However, official sources said, the work would begin from October 24.
Sources close to the development said experts from abroad and scholars from IITs have reviewed the condition of Hirakud dam. The dam authorities had earlier proposed 15 drills, but the experts have suggested making another 15 drills.
The additional spillway, which is funded by the World Bank, is expected to enhance the floodwater discharge capacity of Hirakud Dam in the wake of recommendations of the Central Water Commission (CWC).
Meanwhile, the geological survey work has also been completed. While the officials of both the companies are camping on the dam premises, officials from other countries are monitoring the project, informed Hirakud dam chief engineer Jyotirmaya Rath Sunday.
The length of the spillway will be 91 metres with five sluice gates and the width of the spillway channel will be 300 metres.
The proposed spillway channel will originate from the Gandhi Minar on the left dyke of Hirakud Dam reservoir and culminate at river Mahanadi near the Jawahar Uddyan. The estimated budget of the project is Rs 369.53 crore.
Currently, there are 98 gates which release around 15 lakh cusec flood water from the Hirakud dam, out of which, 64 are sluice gates and 34 crest gates.
With the construction of the proposed additional spillway, the water discharge capacity of the Hirakud Dam will increase to 18 lakh cusec.
PNN
