Bhabhua, The ongoing construction work by the Irrigation Department on the Durgavati Reservoir Project, spanning 5160 acres, has become a subject of dispute with the Forest Department. Despite the transfer of land for the project and the irrigation department taking control after compensating the Forest Department, allegations of encroachment have arisen.
The Executive Engineer of the Durgavati Reservoir Project has written a letter to the Forest Department’s District Forest Officer (DFO), raising concerns about the construction work causing damage to the dam. The engineer has urged an immediate halt to the construction and excavation activities.
Complete Ban on Excavation Work
In the written communication, the Executive Engineer emphasizes that any form of construction or excavation on the dam is strictly prohibited from a technical standpoint. Such activities pose a risk of harm to the dam’s structural integrity. Despite the legal transfer of 5160 acres of land from the Forest Department for the Durgavati Reservoir Project and subsequent relocation of 5100 acres, the ongoing unauthorized construction and excavation work by the Irrigation Department is deemed inappropriate.
Unauthorized Construction Raises Safety Concerns
The Executive Engineer points out that unauthorized excavations at various locations have left the dam vulnerable. The Forest Department’s technical team must grant specific permissions for any construction or excavation activities on the dam. The ongoing unauthorized work poses a security threat to the dam, and the Forest Department is urged to intervene immediately and enforce a ban on such activities.
Forest Department Denies Allegations
When questioned about the allegations in the letter sent by the Executive Engineer, Chanchal Prakasham, the District Forest Officer in Kaimur, outrightly dismissed the claims. He stated unequivocally that there is no harm being caused to the dam due to any construction activities. He invited anyone to visit and inspect the site to verify the dam’s condition, asserting the baselessness of the accusations made by the Executive Engineer.
Source: [Local Correspondent]
