Chattamakhana Dam damage prompts calls for independent probe in Odisha

Balangir MLA Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo has called on Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to initiate an independent technical inquiry into structural damage at the newly constructed Chattamakhana Dam. Following recent heavy rains, reports indicate that the dam's cut-off wall was washed away and downstream embankments failed, prompting concerns regarding the project's safety and structural integrity.

Singh Deo highlighted that while the project was executed via an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract, the final sanctioned design deviated significantly from the original tender. Specifically, the waterway was reduced from 256 meters to 206 meters, the number of gates decreased from 18 to 14, and the impervious floor length was shortened from 80 meters to 50 meters. Despite these reductions, the design discharge remained at 2,760 cubic meters per second.

The MLA requested an investigation to determine if the revised design met engineering standards and could safely manage prescribed flood discharges. He further urged that if deficiencies in design, construction, or workmanship are identified, the repairs should be completed immediately at the contractor's expense and the inquiry report should be made public.