The Water Resources Department of Odisha has initiated strict action against Baitarani Power Projects Pvt. Ltd. (BPPL) over allegations of irregular gate operations at the Anandapur Barrage.
Engineer‑in‑Chief Er. Dillip Kumar Rout issued a show‑cause notice to BPPL, citing arbitrary gate openings during peak flood and flash flood periods for power generation at its Baitarani Small Hydro Electric Project. Officials allege this practice has triggered uncontrolled flooding downstream.
A letter has also been sent to the Chief Construction Engineer of the Anandapur Barrage Project, Salapada, directing BPPL to explain its actions. The company has been instructed to empty the barrage well before extreme flood events and operate gates strictly in coordination with project authorities.
The move comes amid mounting concerns over water release management during the monsoon season, with authorities stressing the need for responsible gate operations to safeguard downstream communities.
