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Curbs likely on public use of dams

Staff Reporter

BHUBANESWAR: The Orissa Government is contemplating imposing restrictions on public use of Rengali, Chipilima and Balimela dams as thoroughfares in its attempt to ensure safety of dams having power generation facilities.

At a review meeting, which was convened here on Friday in response to a Union Power Ministry's query on security of dams, discussed the idea of preventing public from using the dams as passage.

Security of seven dam projects such as Rengali, Chipilima, Balimela, Indravati, Upper Kolab, Hirakud and Machhkund figured in the discussion.

Sources said the Government would require additional funds in the region of Rs 300 crores to Rs 400 crores to construct alternative roads in the event of restrictions. The meeting was chaired by Chief Secretary Ajit Kumar Tripathy.

Sources said DGP Amarananda Pattanayak suggested setting up of a dedicated force to tackle security aspects of dams. He was of the view that other than engaging manpower for security of dams, possibilities of using hi-tech solutions such as censor, remote sensing and close circuit camera could be explored.

The DG has been asked to prepare a plan detailing security needs of the dams and the report would be submitted to Centre.

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