Coffer Dam Breach at Kanupur Irrigation Project Triggers Flood Alert in Keonjhar

Keonjhar, July 30 (UDN): A coffer dam under construction at the Kanupur Multipurpose Irrigation Project on the Baitarani River in Odisha’s Keonjhar district breached on Thursday, prompting authorities to issue a flood alert for downstream villages and intensify precautionary measures.

The breach occurred at the project site near Basudevpur under Joda block. Soon after the incident, emergency sirens were sounded and residents of low-lying areas, including those near Nua Pakhia village, were alerted about the potential rise in the river’s water level.

Officials said the temporary coffer dam gave way completely, following which six radial gates of the main dam and two depletion sluice gates were opened to regulate the flow of water and reduce pressure on the structure.

Chief Engineer Mahendra Kumar said approximately 10,000 cusecs of water is being released into the Baitarani River. He clarified that there is no immediate threat as the river is capable of safely carrying up to 14,000 cusecs, and adequate arrangements have been made to manage the discharge.

According to project officials, the breach was caused by leakage in the coffer dam. They confirmed that no casualties or injuries have been reported and that the main dam remains structurally safe.

Even before the breach, the district administration had begun issuing alerts in downstream and riverside villages in anticipation of rising water levels. Public announcements are being made through loudspeakers, while officials are assisting vulnerable residents in moving to safer locations along with their livestock as a precaution.

The administration said the situation is being monitored round the clock. If the Baitarani’s water level rises further over the next few hours, evacuation measures will be expanded in vulnerable areas to ensure the safety of residents.

Officials have appealed to people living near the river to remain vigilant, avoid entering flooded areas and strictly follow advisories issued by the district administration until the situation stabilises.