BPPL Faces Odisha Govt Notice Over Alleged Flood Mismanagement

21 Aug 2026, 08:20 by Vinay Kakkad · KalingaTV

The Odisha Water Resources Department has taken action against Baitarani Power Projects Pvt. Ltd. (BPPL) over alleged irregular operation of the gates at the Anandapur Barrage during periods of high flooding, raising concerns over the management of downstream water levels during the ongoing monsoon.

The department has served a show-cause notice on BPPL and sought an explanation for the manner in which the barrage gates were operated. The action comes amid allegations that the company gave greater priority to power generation than flood management, resulting in uncontrolled flooding in downstream areas along the Baitarani river.

According to officials, the gates were opened irregularly during peak flood conditions. The department has directed the company to clarify the circumstances surrounding the gate operations and has stressed that the barrage should be emptied in advance when an extreme flood event is anticipated.

The Water Resources Department has also emphasised that operation of the barrage gates cannot be undertaken independently. Such operations are required to be coordinated strictly with the officials responsible for the project so that sudden releases do not add to the flood risk in downstream areas, particularly during the monsoon.

The latest notice therefore places the focus on how the barrage’s operational requirements are balanced against flood-control responsibilities. The department has reiterated that gate management must follow established operational coordination procedures, particularly when the river is carrying high flood volumes.