Odisha’s gauge stations defunct due to Chhattisgarh barrage projects

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Rourkela, Feb 9:

The gauge stations installed by Odisha Water Resources department are found defunct due to ongoing construction of barrage projects on Mahanadi river in neighbouring state of Chhattisgarh, said Manahadi Basin Manager.

In a letter to Burla Hirakud Main Dam Division Executive Engineer, the Basin Manager-cum-Chief Engineer directed him for the renovation of the defunct gauge stations.

As the gauge stations in Odisha are completely or partially submerged in the water especially during monsoon due to the construction of barrages in Chhattisgarh, it is impossible to know the level of water entered the lower basin, said the chief engineer in the letter.

The water discharged from Kalma barrage that is currently being measured on the basis of gate lifting measurement technique, it will not be made possible during the monsoon, he said, directing the official to complete the renovation project of gauge stations located under Kalma barrage on priority basis before arrival of monsoon this year.

Notably, a gauging station is a location used to monitor and test the terrestrial bodies of water.

He also directed to make all the gauge stations operational by one year. He asked to submit a report every month by collecting the data about ongoing projects on Mahanadi River in Chhattisgarh.

In a letter to another engineer, he asked to estimate water capacity of Hirakud reservoir through remote sensing method.

The water discharge rule curve was amended on the basis of capacity of Hirakud reservoir measured in the year 2000. After 17 years, it has become necessary to make amendment in the water capacity measurement and rule curve, the chief engineer said.