Odisha: Water stage in reservoir leaves Upper Kolab Hydro Electric undertaking officers in a tizzy

By Express News Service

JEYPORE: Power technology from the Upper Kolab Hydro Electric Project has plunged beneath 80 MW as a result of poor rain within the reservoir’s catchment areas. Besides, rising temperature has additionally dried up the water physique. 

At current, the water stage of the reservoir stands at 846.320 meter which is near the minimal reserve stage of 845.820 meter within the dam. Last yr, the cumulative rainfall was about 880 mm within the corresponding interval whereas it is just 835 mm this yr.

This has reportedly compelled the authorities to chop down energy technology from the undertaking to 80 MW towards the capability of 240 MW in order that the water within the reservoir could be stocked to facilitate farmers throughout Kharif season. 

While previously years, it rained for not less than 10 days within the reservoir’s catchment areas in Koraput, Semiliguda, Nandapur blocks in Koraput district in March and April, this yr it has been a protracted dry spell.

Sources stated that the Kolab Irrigation Project engineers have proposed to cut back energy technology to five MW every day from May 10 onwards to keep up the reservoir water stage for kharif. Meanwhile, the district administration has additionally suggested the undertaking authorities to keep up water stage for Rabi irrigation. 

Additional Chief Engineer of the Upper Kolab Major Irrigation undertaking Anil Panigrahy admitted to low water stage within the dam reservoir. “However, we’re maintaining an in depth watch on the state of affairs and regulating the water in order that  provide could be ensured for irrigation, energy and ingesting objective of the district, “ he said. 

Upper Kolab Irrigation undertaking

Supplies irrigation water for about 42,000 hectare throughout Kharif 

25,000 hectare throughout Rabi season in Jeypore sub-division 

Last yr cumulative rainfall was about 880 mm 

In 2022 it is just 835 mm 

Power technology from the undertaking lowered to 80 MW

Capacity of the undertaking to generate 240 MW

Water stage at current 846.320 meter

Minimum water stage stipulated 845.820 meter