Dhamtari’s Four Key Reservoirs Reach Full Capacity Amid Heavy Rains

Ravi Shankar Sagar Dam, commonly known as Gangrel Dam, is the largest in Chhattisgarh. Built across the Mahanadi River in 1978, it holds 91,000 mcft of water for irrigation, drinking supply and 10 MW hydroelectric power, serving farmers and the Bhilai Steel Plant year-round. With an inflow spike to 27,000 cusecs overnight, authorities increased outflow to 55,000 cusecs to relieve pressure on the embankments.

Murumsilli Dam or Madamsilli on the Sillari River was constructed between 1914 and 1923. As Asia’s first siphon spillway dam, it remains an engineering marvel. Originally built for irrigation, it continues to feed canal networks supplying water to fields across Dhamtari and neighbouring districts, with spillway cascades drawing numerous tourists post-monsoon.

New Rudri Barrage on the Mahanadi River dates back to 1915 and was upgraded in 2006. Its 116 km main canal and distributaries irrigate 655,000 acres across four districts while also supplying drinking water to Raipur. The barrage’s automatic gate system ensures efficient regulation during floods, protecting croplands and settlements.

Sondur Dam, part of the Mahanadi Reservoir Project Complex, was envisioned in 1972 to augment flows into Ravi Shankar Sagar. Located near Mechka village, it impounds Sondur River to irrigate 12,260 ha in Nagri Tehsil and bolster supplies downstream. The 3,360 m composite embankment and five-bay spillway maintain regional watersecurity.

Collector Abinash Mishra has directed vigilant monitoring and robust safety measures at all four sites. Tourists and residents are urged to heed warnings, avoid riverbanks during releases, and stay informed through official advisories as monsoon rains persist.