Nabarangpur: Concerns are mounting regarding the safety of the Indravati reservoir as five gates at the Indravati and Muran dams have reportedly fallen into disrepair due to insufficient maintenance. The Indravati reservoir, which spans approximately 110 square kilometers, is linked to the Indravati, Muran, Kapur, and Podagada rivers.
The Indravati-Nagi and Muran dams, along with eight dykes, were built to deliver water via canals to drought-affected regions in Kalahandi district and to produce electricity. The Indravati dam features seven gates, with gates numbered 3, 4, and 5 currently reported as non-operational.
At the Muran dam, two out of its five gates, specifically gates 3 and 4, are also said to be inoperative. The reservoir has been retaining water since the project’s completion in 1998, leading to concerns about the accumulation of soil, mud, and silt over the years. A survey team from the Central government inspected the reservoir and dam in 2024.
It was reported that the team recommended reducing the water-holding capacity from 1,485 million cubic meters to 1,453 million cubic meters, but this directive has allegedly not been acted upon. There are calls for immediate repairs to the malfunctioning gates, a silt survey, and a comprehensive safety audit of the dam. The Indravati river serves as the boundary between Nabarangpur and Kalahandi districts, with only one concrete road built downstream of the Indravati dam.
During heavy rainfall, especially in Thuamul Rampur block of Kalahandi, Tikiri in Rayagada district, and Dasmantpur block in Koraput district, the gates of the Indravati and Muran dams are opened to manage water flow. This results in water flowing into the Indravati river, affecting downstream areas such as Tentulikhunti, Nandahandi, Nabarangpur, and Kosagumuda.
A significant concern arises when flooding occurs in Nabarangpur district, as opening the Indravati gates can block the road linking the area to Kalahandi. A gate located on the road over the Indravati dam is opened to allow residents from 15 villages in Thuamul Rampur block to access the route. The Indravati dam area is particularly susceptible.
In flood situations, when water levels reach a critical threshold, the road gate is opened for public transit, while other gates remain shut, according to reports. Unlike many other dams in the state, which feature elevated bridges, the vulnerable concrete road downstream of the Indravati dam continues to remain.
Meanwhile, the multipurpose hydropower project at Mukhiguda generates 600 MW of electricity. Currently, the water level in the reservoir stands at 641.650 meters, nearing the critical level of 642 meters. Sushant Kumar Patnaik, the executive engineer of the Indravati dam, stated that the Odisha Works Department has been tasked with the repair and maintenance of the gates, but a formal handover has yet to occur.
