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Patratu Dam's Electric Gates Defunct for Years
16 Sep
Summary
- NDSA directs dam authorities to establish a Dam Safety Unit.
- Electric gate operation system has been non-functional for years.
- Dam is vital for power generation and drinking water supply.
An inspection by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) has highlighted critical safety concerns at the Patratu dam. The five-member NDSA team discovered that the electric gate operation system has been non-functional for years. This necessitates manual operation of all eight gates, a process followed during periods of high water inflow, with officials stating safety precautions are adhered to.
The NDSA has therefore directed the Patratu dam authorities and the state government to establish a Dam Safety Unit (DSU). The team also reviewed existing safety mechanisms and mandated regular pre-monsoon and post-monsoon inspections in accordance with dam safety regulations.
Constructed in the 1960s and completed in 1971, the Patratu dam plays a crucial role in the region. It supplies essential water to the NTPC-led Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (PVUNL) thermal power project and is a primary source of drinking water for Ramgarh district. The reservoir area also features the popular Patratu Lake Resort.
