Sanjay Goyal, the Managing Director of Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL), announced on June 21 that the retrofitting work on Umiam Dam is nearing completion and is expected to finish by the end of July. The ongoing construction has reached completion on one side of the dam, while work on the concrete structure on the opposite side is still underway. Additional pending tasks beneath the dam are also being addressed concurrently.
To safeguard the structural integrity of Umiam Dam, measures will be implemented to restrict loads. Sanjay Goyal stated that specifics regarding these restrictions will be finalized after consultations with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati.
In preparation for enforcing these restrictions, CCTV surveillance has been installed to monitor and prevent heavy vehicles from crossing the dam. This proactive approach aims to prevent any potential damage that could arise from excessive loads.
The Meghalaya government has allocated approximately Rs 24-25 crore for the dam’s retrofitting and construction activities. Oversight for the entire project, including the retrofitting work, is being managed by the Central Water Commission and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs).
The initiative underscores the state government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and longevity of Umiam Dam, a critical infrastructure asset for Meghalaya. Once completed, these efforts will enhance the dam’s resilience and operational efficiency, benefiting the region’s water management and hydroelectric capabilities.