Bhubaneswar, Dec, 09: Raghavendranath Bahidar, the first Chief Engineer of the State Energy Department and the first Chairman and Managing Director of Odisha Hydro Electric Corporation, passed away on December 1 in Bhubaneswar. He was 88 years old at the time of his death. His wife, son, daughter-in-law, daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren, and other family members and relatives were present by his bedside.
Engineer Bahidar was born on 27 November 1937 in Kuchinda, Debgarh. After completing his school and college education in Odisha, he went to Banaras Hindu University, from where he obtained an Electrical Engineering degree in 1958 with distinction.
Following this, he joined the country’s first large-scale hydroelectric project, the Hirakud Project, and played a key role in commissioning the complex seventh and final 36 MW unit of the Hirakud Hydroelectric Scheme.
During his 39-year-long tenure under the Odisha government, Bahidar held senior positions in other major hydroelectric projects in the state, including Kolab and Indravati, executing his responsibilities with dedication and integrity.
His passing has cast a shadow of grief over Kuchinda region as well as among colleagues who had worked closely with him.
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