Odisha’s ruling BJP and Opposition BJD Thursday agreed on the urgent need to tackle massive siltation at the Hirakud reservoir, which poses a potential threat to the safety of the dam.

The issue was raised during Zero Hour by BJD deputy leader of Opposition Prasanna Acharya, who expressed concern over a recent survey showing a 27 per cent reduction in the dam’s water holding capacity due to silt accumulation.

He said apart from safety aspects, the siltation problem could also affect power generation, irrigation activities and flood management as well.

“There is heavy silt accumulation in the dam, and a lack of proper maintenance may pose a major threat to both the state and the country in the coming years,” Acharya said.

He also criticised the state’s BJP government for allocating land

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