Shillong: Efforts to rehabilitate the Umiam Dam in Meghalaya, a structure erected back in 1965, are currently underway, aimed at enhancing its longevity by 35-40 years.
Concerns regarding the safety of the dam have prompted the government to initiate rehabilitation work, which commenced in December last year. The process, which involves replacing the dam’s bearings, began this past Sunday.
Sanjay Goyal, the CMD of the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL), provided insights into the ongoing endeavor, highlighting the meticulous steps involved in the process.
He stated that the current focus is on opening the expansion joints, followed by the placement of jacks to elevate the structure. Goyal emphasised the necessity for thorough studies and exercises, assuring the public that the work is progressing as planned without anticipating any traffic disruptions.
The rehabilitation process includes a slight elevation of the structure by 5 to 10 millimeters, adhering to stability norms. While the scheduled completion date for the project is June, efforts are underway to expedite the process for a potential May completion, prioritising precision over haste due to the technical nature of the work.
The MeECL has enlisted the expertise of professors from IIT Guwahati to provide technical guidance, underscoring their commitment to ensuring quality and safety throughout the rehabilitation initiative.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
It has been revealed that the ongoing rehabilitation efforts will significantly extend the lifespan of the Umiam Dam by an additional 35-40 years, marking a substantial investment in the region’s infrastructure and safety.
Since December-January, vehicular movement on the bridge has been notably restricted due to the rehabilitation work.
Also Read | Umiam bridge closed for maintenance; alternate routes available