Bodalkasa Dam Breach: No Villages Affected, Authorities Confirm
The 109-year-old Bodalkasa dam in Gondia district breached, but officials assure no villages or farmland were submerged.
Bodalkasa dam breached on Monday morning.
Authorities confirmed no villages or farmland were affected.
Water levels are expected to decrease significantly in the coming days.
The Bodalkasa dam, a 109-year-old structure located in the Tirora taluka of Gondia district, experienced a breach early on Monday morning. Despite the incident, local authorities have assured that no villages or agricultural land have been submerged. The dam, which serves as a medium irrigation project, had a reservoir capacity of 15.30 million cubic meters and was reported to be 95% full prior to the breach. Officials anticipate that nearly two-thirds of the water will be lost over the next two to four days, allowing for necessary repairs to commence soon.
Chandrakant Dongre, a sub-divisional engineer from the irrigation department, noted that seepage was first detected near the head regulator, which had been opened to provide water to local farmers. He explained that the seepage began at approximately 6:30 AM and quickly escalated, leading to the breach of the dam's structure. This rapid development raised concerns among residents in the area.
In response to the situation, Collector Mandar Patki stated that all 14 villages located downstream of the dam had been notified of the breach. He urged residents to report any signs of flooding to the district control room using the provided contact numbers. Meanwhile, Rajan Chaube, the district disaster management officer, reassured the public that water was flowing away from populated areas, moving from the canal into a nala and subsequently into the river, thus minimizing the risk of flooding.
Although water has reached Sukdi Chowk, a local market area in Tirora taluka, officials reported that the water level remained low, at just ankle-deep. This has alleviated immediate concerns regarding potential damage to properties or loss of life. However, Tirora MLA Vijay Rahangdale has expressed intentions to call for an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the breach, highlighting the need for accountability and thorough investigation.
Looking ahead, authorities are focused on monitoring the water levels and initiating repairs as soon as conditions allow. The situation remains under close observation to ensure the safety of the local communities and to prevent any further incidents. Residents are advised to stay alert and follow any updates from local officials regarding the dam's status and safety measures.
