WRD Suspends Boating at Durgawati Reservoir for Safety Reasons
The Water Resources Department has halted boating operations at Durgawati Reservoir to prioritize dam safety and protect SCADA system functionality. This decision impacts eco-tourism, which saw over 530,000 visitors last season, raising concerns among local businesses and tourists.
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Boating operations at Durgawati Reservoir have been suspended by the Water Resources Department (WRD) due to safety concerns regarding the dam's stability and the effectiveness of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. Chief Engineer Ajay Kumar Singh indicated that unauthorized boat operations are compromising the dam’s structure and disrupting essential mapping activities.
The SCADA system, crucial for measuring water discharge, is affected by hydraulic jumps created by the boats. Tourist activity has been significant, with over 530,000 visitors last season, raising concerns about the economic impact of this decision on the eco-tourism hub.
The WRD has stated that conditional permission for boating could be granted if the forest department applies for a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Experts noted that while boat wakes are minimal, concerns about the SCADA system’s accuracy should be addressed through proper engineering solutions. The Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change had previously initiated efforts to enhance eco-tourism at the reservoir, which includes plans for water sports.
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