Bhubaneswar: In response to ongoing flooding issues in the Baitarani river, the Water Resources Department has decided to take decisive action against Baitarani Power Projects Pvt. Ltd. (BPPL).

The Engineer-in-Chief of Water Resources in Odisha, Er. Dillip Kumar Rout, has formally issued a show-cause notice to BPPL concerning accusations of erratic and unjustified operations of the gates at the Anandapur Barrage.

A correspondence has also been forwarded to the Chief Construction Engineer overseeing the Anandapur Barrage Project, Salapada.

As per the official notice, BPPL has been accused of opening the barrage gates indiscriminately for power generation at its Baitarani Small Hydro Electric Project, particularly during critical flood situations. This method has reportedly resulted in severe flooding in areas downstream of the barrage.

The department has mandated BPPL to clarify the rationale behind these reckless gate operations. Additionally, the company has been advised to fully drain the barrage prior to any significant flood events to mitigate the risk of downstream flooding.

Moreover, it has been recommended that BPPL coordinate closely with project authorities while operating the gates.

This action arises amid escalating worries regarding the management of water discharge from the barrage during the current monsoon season.