Home / Disasters and Accidents / Odisha Hydropower Firm Faces Probe Over Flood Woes
Odisha Hydropower Firm Faces Probe Over Flood Woes
20 Aug
Summary
- Power firm issued notice for irregular barrage gate operations during floods.
- Unregulated water release allegedly worsened downstream flooding.
- Government emphasizes coordination for effective flood control.
The Odisha government has issued a show-cause notice to Baitarani Power Projects Pvt Ltd (BPPL), a hydropower company, following allegations of irregular barrage gate operations that worsened recent Baitarani river floods. Authorities contend that the unregulated water release by BPPL in Keonjhar district significantly increased flooding in downstream areas of Jajpur, Bhadrak, and Kendrapada districts. Breaches in river embankments were reported in Jajpur and Bhadrak, with damage also occurring in affected branch river systems.
Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil stated the government views the matter seriously and is awaiting the company's explanation. Engineer-in-Chief Dillip Kumar Rout has directed field officials in Keonjhar to investigate. A related review meeting with water resources department officials focused on expediting ongoing and proposed projects, including irrigation, drainage, dams, and barrages, with an emphasis on timely completion and efficient budget utilization.
