Bhubaneswar, 8 February (H.S.)The Odisha Cabinet has approved the Hirakud Dam Rehabilitation & Improvement Project-III, which is estimated to cost Rs 1,066.38 crore. The project will take place over six years, from FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31, and will be funded with support from the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) under the Externally Aided Project framework.
To ensure the safe passage of increased floodwaters, an additional spillway will be constructed on the left dyke of the Hirakud Dam.
The project includes underwater, ground, and aerial surveys to assess the dam's deteriorating conditions, followed by the selection of modern materials and methods for its rehabilitation.
The existing gates, along with the new spillway gates, will be automated using a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, replacing the manual operation of gates. This upgrade will enhance the control and monitoring of the dam's operations.
Rehabilitation efforts will utilise advanced materials and modern machinery, complemented by videography of the work. These measures aim to improve the dam's longevity and operational efficiency. The automation of gate operations, overseen by national and international experts, will further enhance the control and monitoring of the dam's safety and functionality.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
