Sambalpur: Higher Water Levels in Hirakud Reservoir This Year Cause Electricity Production Concerns
Neglect: Rs. 12 Crore Worth of Electricity Not Generated!
Water Being Used As Needed: Reservoir Authorities
Sambalpur: As of June 1, the water level in the Hirakud Reservoir is 605.60 feet. On the same date in 2023, it was 604.17 feet, and in 2022, it was 600.83 feet. This means there is more water in the reservoir this year compared to previous years. Currently, 977 cusecs of water are entering the reservoir, while 14,608 cusecs are being released. In this context, there is a serious allegation that due to faulty water management of the Hirakud Reservoir, Rs. 12 crore worth of electricity could not be produced.
According to retired Chief Engineer of the State Water Resources Department, Rabindra Panda, the water level of the Hirakud Reservoir should be 597.71 feet on June 1st. However, on June 1st, the water level is 605.60 feet. About 0.50 million acre-feet of water is stored more than required. This stored water should be used properly by June 15th. Otherwise, due to the monsoon rains, it will turn into floodwater. As a result, there is a high risk of losing about 40 million units of electricity. At a rate of Rs. 3 per unit, approximately Rs. 12 crore worth of electricity will be wasted. By the first week of May, the Hirakud command area requires about 0.50 million acre-feet of water for Rabi irrigation.
Using about 5,000 cubic feet of water per second for electricity generation, the water level in the Hirakud Reservoir is projected to reach 598 feet by June 15. According to reports, 13,676 cusecs of water from the reservoir are being used in power channels, producing 122 megawatts of electricity daily. The Chief Engineer of the Hirakud Reservoir mentioned that the current situation is stable and water management is carried out as needed. However, if electricity production increases, water levels might decrease. The water level is expected to be 595 feet by June 25, with 600 feet maintained for paddy cultivation.
