22 years on, ambitious hydroelectric project in Odisha’s Koraput hangs in balance

The construction of a hydroelectric project in Dumajodi under the Kotpad Block of Koraput district has yet to be completed despite being in development for 22 years. An alarming case of sluggish infrastructure development, the project now faces the ire of locals who blamed complete negligence and oversight by the administration.

Sources reported that the previous BJD government had signed an agreement with Sravani Energy Private Limited, a Hyderabad-based private company, for the construction of the project and Rs 50 crore was also subsequently allocated.

Along with an annual target of producing 54.25 million units or 12 megawatts of electricity, the establishment of the hydroelectric plant was expected to provide employment opportunities for local youth. However, more than 22 years have passed but the project is nowhere near completion.

Current state of the Koraput hydroelectric project after 22 years of ongoing work

Reports also mentioned locals alleging that the company in charge of the construction violated the terms of its agreement with the state government, resulting in deforestation and environmental pollution.

“The company had a permit to clear forests up to 4 meters but they have shredded down 12 to 18 meters of it. They are also posing a severe risk to the waterbodies nearby and we strongly protest against it,” said Suresh Das, a senior citizen of the region.

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Local concerns remain valid as the Kolab River flows near the dam, and the nearby Gulumi Waterfall, which is a popular tourist attraction, is reportedly shrinking due to the dam's ongoing construction.

The hydroelectric work disturbing the Kolab river

Ground visuals also highlighted that vast stretches of land surrounding the area were dug up, which nearby residents claimed was done recklessly. Further, the lack of proper roads to and through the project site is causing inconvenience.

Repeated appeals to both local and district administrations have yielded no results, leading to frustration among residents. However, the Jeypore MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati recently wrote a letter to Chief Minister Mohan Majhi highlighting the issues.

In response, the Jeypore DFO Pratap Kumar Behera stated that a team from the forest department would investigate the matter and that after obtaining Stage-2 clearance, the remaining challenges would be reviewed.

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“Along with taking stock of the construction work, we will also investigate the allegations of forest degradation that locals and you (OTV) have brought forward,” said the DFO to sources.

Meanwhile, the construction company refused to comment on the matter and has yet to respond to the allegations.

(Reported by T Gourishankar)