More gates of Patratu dam might open if water level continues to rise

MANOJ SINHA

Ramgarh, Aug 24: Two gates of the Patratu dam were opened on Tuesday night after the water level rose above capacity due to continuous heavy rains in Patratu and surrounding areas.

“3-3 inches i.e. 25000 cusec meter per hour of water is being released from each gate,” said Suresh Prasad executive engineer residual assets PTPS.

Moreover, the management has expressed the possibility that if the incessant rain continues in the area, other gates of the dam can also be considered for the opening. It depends on the water logging and water level from the catchment area of the dam.

The water level of the dam had crossed the 1328 radius label and in view of the rising water level of the dam and the continuous rain, the management took precautionary measures for the safety of the dam.

PTPS Residual asset management and the district administration have appealed to the public not to go near the dam or near the rivers connected with it as it can be dangerous. Along with this, people have been instructed not to allow their cattle to go near the rivers and keep them away by making the announcement.

Meanwhile, Ramgarh Deputy Commissioner Madhavi Mishra along with Superintendent of Police Piyush Pandey visited Patratu block today and took stock of the security arrangements after the two gates of the dam were opened. She directed the Block Development Officer and Circle Officer to be vigilant and keep a close watch on every activity and to make rural areas and tourists aware not to go near rivers and other water sources.

After the Patratu dam, the DC also inspected the site where an accident occurred near the Nalkari river on Saturday and directed the officials to inspect the entire area as per the requirement. She also asked them to put fencing and install sign-in boards for the tourists in the accident-prone areas.

She also directed the various hotels and resort operators near Patratu Lake Resort to make the tourists aware of it and to inform the administration immediately if they show any contempt related to it.