July 8th 2024.
In the town of Bhawanipatna, there is a well-known dam called Bhatrajore. It is located in the Junagadh block of Kalahandi district and plays a crucial role in the lives of thousands of farmers. Not only does it provide water for their crops during both the Kharif and Rabi seasons, but it also supports a diverse range of plant and animal species that call it home.
However, there have been reports that the dam is becoming clogged, causing concern among the locals. It seems that no efforts have been made to unclog the dam, which has resulted in the surrounding garden becoming overgrown and the water retention capacity of the dam decreasing. This has caused frustration among the residents, especially since the government has spent a significant amount of money on improving the environment around the dam.
Interestingly, the Bhatrajore dam was initially under the jurisdiction of the Minor Irrigation Department. But in 2001, it was handed over to the Upper Indravati Project and has since been maintained by them. This 671-meter-long dam irrigates over 1700 hectares of land and has been a source of livelihood for generations of fishermen in the surrounding villages.
Unfortunately, the dam has never been desilted since its construction in 1963. This has resulted in an annual buildup of slush and a decrease in water retention capacity. Plants and shrubs have started to appear inside the dam, and islands have even formed above the water level. If nothing is done soon, it is feared that this will significantly impact the irrigation system, fish population, and natural beauty of the area.
It is worth noting that many villages, including Baxitulasipali, Meriabandhali, Charbhati, Dedar, Junagarh NACs, and Kaleigaon panchayat, rely on the Bhatrajore dam for their daily water and irrigation needs. The locals have expressed their concerns, saying that the government should prioritize desilting the dam instead of just beautifying its surroundings.
The Indravati South Canal Assistant Executive Engineer, Nelson Tadingi, has stated that a proposal of Rs 4.11 crores has been sent to the government for the "environmental improvement" of the dam. He assures that once approved, work will begin, but there are currently no plans for desilting. The residents, however, are urging the government to take action before it's too late. They believe that the dam's silt removal should be a priority over its aesthetic appeal.
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