River basin-based models should be on priority list


Express News Service
04 Oct 2008 10:44:00 AM IST

BHUBANESWAR: The controversy over the ‘man-made’ flood in Mahanadi has literally ‘submerged’ other major issues relating to flood control in Orissa and a time has come to look beyond Hirakud. But is the State ready for the take?

Though a dam across Mahanadi near Manibhadra or Tikarpara was discussed long ago to act like a ‘second barrier’, the costs involved including the environment and rehabilitation and resettlement could be substantial and with that the plan was stalled.

Later, with the ferocious nature of the water discharge from Tel river both in 1982 and the recent one, there are plans to build 25-30 small dams across its tributaries like Indra, Suktel, Hati, Jonk and the main river itself to contain the flood. However, as the small dams are definitely not going to help much in future, these might not provide relief from flood.

According to geomorphologist Prof GK Panda of Geography Department, Utkal University, Tel being the ‘major contributor’ in the whole affair, a major dam downstream after its confluence with Mahanadi could be an ideal option.

According to Superintending Engineer N.M. Krishnanunni of Hydrological Observation Circle, Central Water Commission, Bhubaneswar, the water retention of Hirakud reservoir has come down to 5,900 million metre cusecs from 8,130 cusecs due to several factors.

But regarding a second ‘barrier’, he said the technical studies could be made after Orissa’s proposal gets approval of the Planning Commission and then Technical Advisory Committee of the CWC. ‘‘But as funds with all water resources wings across the globe are now becoming limited, to strike a balance is the real issue,’’ he added.

According to Flood Management Programme (FMP) of 11th Plan, approved projects can obtain 75 percent funding from the Centre. ‘‘Out of 72 proposals submitted to CWC 69 costing Rs 163 crores were approved recently. However, delay in submitting detailed project report (DPR) and time consuming land acquisition processes are major stumbling blocks,’’ an official said on condition of anonymity.

Even the CWC is advising the State to have more ‘pragmatic approach’ and having more river ‘basin-based FMPs’ as there would be less land acquisition issues involved. But, the State is still working on the proposals, each over Rs 7 crores, he added.

Water Resources Engineer-in-Chief H.C. Behera said the State has submitted a proposal to Centre on a multi-purpose mega dam at Baramul with facilities for flood control and hydropower generation. However, detailed cost and height of the dam are yet to be finalised as the feasibility study is still under process, he added.