Koraput: Cracks on Jalaput dam of Machhkund hydro-electricity project on the fringes of the state and Andhra Pradesh have raised threats to its existence, a report said Wednesday.
Constructed in 1954, both the state government and Andhra Pradesh share 50 percent each in the dam. It has been 63 years since the dam was constructed but a crack of 3 ft has posed serious threats to its existence.
The reservoir of the dam stores water and releases it into Macchkund hydro-electricity project for production of hydro-electricity through six of its turbines installed in the project.
The six turbines installed in the Macchkund project produce 120 megawatt of power daily.
Three of the turbines produce 17 megawatt of power each while the remaining three produce 23 megawatt of power each and supply them to the state government.
Orissa has contributed more land to the dam. While Orissa has parted with 18,900 acres, Andhra Pradesh has contributed 5,800 acres only.
As many as 156 villages of Orissa are in the vicinity of the dam while 82 villages of Andhra Pradesh are its fringes.
The dam has a length of 1425 feet, a width of 148 feet and a height of 200 feet. The top level of the dam is 2762 feet while its water level is 2750 feet, its danger level is 2750 feet and the water retaining capacity is 34,300 MCET. The adjoining areas of the dam are of 755 sq km and its water spread area is 37.5 sq km.
The dam has six gates and has a capacity to discharge 2000 cusecs of water daily for the Macchkund project.
Locals claimed that the dam authorities should take urgent steps to repair the cracks failing which it might pose serious threats to the dam.
When contacted, Benjamin Lima, executive engineer of Macchkund hydro-electricity project, confirmed the development, stating that steps are being taken to repair the dam. Dam officials have been asked to discharge water when it reaches 2748 ft. PNN
