Nabarangpur: Concerns have been raised over the safety of the Indravati reservoir after five gates at the Indravati and Muran dams reportedly remained non-functional due to lack of repairs and maintenance. The Indravati reservoir, spread over about 110 square kilometres, is associated with the Indravati, Muran, Kapur and Podagada rivers.
The Indravati-Nagi and Muran dams, along with eight dykes, were constructed to supply water through canals to drought-prone areas of Kalahandi district and generate electricity. The Indravati dam has seven gates, of which gates Nos. 3, 4 and 5 are reportedly non-functional.
At the Muran dam, two of its five gates, Nos. 3 and 4, are also reportedly inoperative. The reservoir has been holding water since the project was completed in 1998. Questions have been raised over the amount of soil, mud and silt that may have accumulated in the reservoir over the years. A Central survey team inspected the deep reservoir and the dam in 2024.
It reportedly directed that the water-holding capacity be reduced from 1,485 million cubic metres to 1,453 million cubic metres. However, the direction has allegedly not been implemented. Demands have been raised for immediate repair of the non-functional gates, a silt survey and a safety audit and investigation of the dam. The Indravati river forms the boundary between Nabarangpur and Kalahandi districts. Only one concrete road has been constructed downstream of the Indravati dam.
When the reservoir level rises and there is heavy rainfall in Thuamul Rampur block of Kalahandi district, Tikiri in Rayagada district and Dasmantpur block in Koraput district, the gates of the Indravati and Muran dams are opened to release water. The water then flows into the Indravati river through downstream areas including Tentulikhunti, Nandahandi, Nabarangpur and Kosagumuda.
A major concern is that when flood conditions develop in Nabarangpur district, opening the Indravati gates leads to the closure of the road connecting the area with Kalahandi. The gate on the road over the Indravati dam is opened, allowing residents of 15 villages in Thuamul Rampur block to travel through the road. The Indravati dam is a vulnerable area.
When flood conditions prevail and the water level reaches a critical point, the gate on the road is opened to allow public movement, while gates elsewhere are not opened, according to the report. The downstream area of almost all other dams in the state reportedly has elevated bridges, but the vulnerable concrete road remains in place downstream of the Indravati dam.
Meanwhile, the government generates 600 MW of electricity through the multipurpose hydropower project at Mukhiguda. The reservoir’s water level is currently 641.650 metres against the reported critical level of 642 metres. Indravati dam executive engineer Sushant Kumar Patnaik said the responsibility for repair and maintenance of the gates had been assigned to the Odisha Works Department. However, the formal handover had not yet taken place, he said.
