By Our Reporter
Shillong, Dec 15: The Meghalaya Power Generation Corporation Limited (MePGCL) has initiated a rehabilitation project for the Umiam Dam, aimed at ensuring long-term safety and stability of the vital infrastructure.
Sanjay Goyal, CMD of Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL), said work under Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) will address the deterioration of the dam’s concrete foundations, primarily caused by regular passage of overloaded vehicles over an extended period.
“Under DRIP, the rehabilitation work is being undertaken by MeECL,” he said. DRIP is a flagship project of the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation and the World Bank. The objective is to improve safety and operational performance of selected dams in the country. The total outlay for Meghalaya is Rs 441 crore.
The Umiam Dam rehabilitation is crucial considering long-term safety of the infrastructure. The road bridge over it connects Ri-Bhoi with Shillong.
The project falls under DRIP Phase II, with a total investment of Rs 45.58 crore. Out of this, Rs 16.94 crore is allocated specifically for Umiam Stage I Hydroelectric Power (HEP) Dam.
The rehabilitation process involves extensive measures, including drilling deeply into the foundation and injecting concrete. It is estimated that the project will take more than four months to complete, with the dam anticipated to last an additional 25 years after repairs.
“It is a crucial step to ensure the long-term safety of this vital infrastructure,” Goyal said.
The MePGCL said it understands the inconvenience caused by traffic diversions and sought people’s cooperation. Goyal said the district authorities implemented traffic diversions to facilitate the rehabilitation work. Commuters traveling from Shillong to Guwahati and vice versa have been advised to take the Umroi Bypass and follow the Umroi Airport-Umrynjah-VIP Road.