SNS reported that the much awaited dredging work inside Hirakud reservoir is in full swing and is expected to be completed by end of June 2008. The dredging has been undertaken to open a passage to Sasan canal and facilitate smooth flow of water for the summer crop.

Mr JB Mahapatra superintendent engineer of Hirakud dam project said that "Henceforth, water in the Sasan canal will not be a problem and farmers can get water for cultivation."

The dredging work began on April 28th 2008 and more than 100,000 cubic meters of earth have been excavated so far, he informed. Since the mouth of the canal remained higher than the water level in the reservoir during summer, there arose problems in discharge even if there was sufficient water in the reservoir.

Mr Mahapatra said that dredging is done in 1 kilometer main and 1 kilometer link canal inside the reservoir for smooth flow of water during all seasons including summer. He added that "Nearly 2.5 to 3 meter deep and 36 meters wide canal is dug inside and hence we expect a regular flow will be maintained to the canal. At the same time, water to the tail end will not be a problem if wastage of water is prevented."

Meanwhile, Dr RN Bohidar development commissioner cum additional chief secretary, Mr Pradipta Kumar Patnaik collector of Sambalpur and senior officers from water resources department have visited the work site and expressed satisfaction at the progress.