Jeypore: The sudden release of water from Upper Kolab irrigation project has spread resentment among the locals here in Koraput district.
The local inhabitants have alleged the sudden release of water from the dam led to floods in Malkangiri and Koraput districts and demanded an investigation into the incident.
While the capacity of the dam is 858 metres, water level had touched 857 metres Saturday following which the project authorities had opened two sluice gates of the dam, leading to inundation of low-lying areas.
Angered by the incident, the local residents criticised the officials for ignoring their repeated pleas to regulate water from the reservoir. Despite repeated complaints to release water in a controlled manner, the authorities have callously released the water, leading to floods, locals alleged.
According to sources, while senior engineers who are supposed to regulate the dam’s water level are on strike and the chief construction engineer was absent.
They alleged the executive engineer of Kolab released the water on instruction from the superintending engineer’s office of Jeypore MI Division, who was in-charge of the chief construction engineer of Upper Kolab projects.
Members of Kundra, Jeypore, Kotpad and Borrigumma areas also demanded a probe into the matter. Upper Kolab project engineer PR Bhotra said the sluice gates were opened in the wake of heavy rainfall.
“The opening of the sluice gates in the absence of the senior engineers is illegal. They should have consulted the villagers and alerted them before opening the sluice gates. Who will be held responsible for the floods and for the losses suffered by the villagers? Who will repay them now,” a local asked.
Irate locals also demanded an investigation and compensation for the losses suffered by the villagers in Malkangiri and Koraput districts.
PNN
