Bhubaneswar, 20 August (H.S.): The Odisha Water Resources Department has initiated action against Baitarani Power Projects Pvt. Ltd. (BPPL) over alleged irregular operation of the gates of the Anandapur Barrage, following repeated flooding in the Baitarani river system.

Engineer-in-Chief, Water Resources, Odisha, Er. Dillip Kumar Rout, has issued a show-cause notice to BPPL, seeking an explanation for the alleged arbitrary opening of the barrage gates during periods of peak flood and flash flood.

A communication in this regard has also been sent to the Chief Construction Engineer of the Anandapur Barrage Project at Salapada.

According to the department, BPPL has allegedly been opening the barrage gates randomly for power generation at its Baitarani Small Hydro Electric Project during peak flood situations. The department has expressed concern that such operations could result in uncontrolled release of water and contribute to flooding in downstream areas.

The department has directed the project authorities to seek an explanation from BPPL regarding the alleged irregular gate operations. The company has also been advised to ensure that the barrage is emptied well in advance of any extreme flood event to minimise the risk of downstream flooding.

The department further directed that operation of the barrage gates should be carried out strictly in coordination with the concerned project authorities and in accordance with established procedures.

The action comes amid heightened concerns over water management and controlled discharge from the Anandapur Barrage during the ongoing monsoon season, particularly in view of repeated flooding in downstream areas of the Baitarani river.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda