Crack develops in Telengiri water reservoir in Odisha, locals fear flood-like situation

A huge crack in the Telengiri Water Reservoir in Koraput has triggered flood fear among farmers as water is leaking from one of the sluice gates of the dam. Reportedly, due to unknown reasons, a huge crack has developed in the water reservoir that was inaugurated just six years back.

Water has been leaking through the leak, developed around 100 feet below the sluice gate, for the last couple of days, reports said. The water leakage poses a serious threat to 9,000-10,000 hectares of farmland in Koraput district and is likely to affect the livelihood of hundreds of farmers of over 15 panchayats.

“The water has been leaking since yesterday morning,” stated a local. Likewise, another local said, “We rushed here after learning that a crack has developed and a huge amount of water is leaking from the dam. If steps are not taken immediately to stop it, the entire Rabi crop will get destroyed. At least 9000 hectare of land will be damaged affecting hundreds of farmers of 15 panchayats.”

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“We are currently harvesting the Kharif crop. When we asked the authorities about the steps being taken to resolve the issue, they told us that a team from Visakhapatnam is on the way,” he added.

As per reports, a team of experts from outside Odisha are on their way for the repair work. However, no comments could be obtained from the dam authorities in this regard.