Chhattisgarh’s non-cooperation hurting flood management in Odisha: Hirakud dam engineer

The Hirakud dam authorities on Saturday brought serious allegations against Chhattisgarh government claiming that the non-cooperation from the neighbouring state is hampering flood management in the State.   

At present, the reservoir is discharging excess flood water through 28 sluice gates following incessant rain.     
 
Hirakud dam Chief Engineer Ananda Sahoo alleged that the neighbouring state is not sharing important information which is affecting the flood management in Odisha.

“In 2021, Chhattisgarh did not respond to our repeated letters and calls. This year too, Engineer-in-charge (water resources) and I have tried many times. Besides, the chief engineer (dam safety) also tried to hold discussions with Chhattisgarh. However, Chhattisgarh avoided all these efforts.” 

“Yesterday, the Central Water Commission (CWC) director held talks with Chhattisgarh and we later suggested to fix any suitable date. Now, the meeting has tentatively been fixed on August 23. We are always ready for the meeting, but it depends on Chhattisgarh,” Sahoo added. 

Sahoo said the last coordination meeting between the two states was held in 2019. 

“In 2020, Chhattisgarh withdrew from a video conference midway citing a technical snag. This year too, the neighbouring state avoiding despite our repeated attempts,” he added.