OPGC pipe leaks, Ash spills into HDR

JHARSUGUDA: The ash slurry pipe of Orissa Power Generation Corporation (OPGC) Limited at Banharpali in the district breached and ash spilled in the Hirakud dam reservoir on Wednesday night. OPGC transports its ash through pipes to the ash pond from its thermal power plant. The pipe is supported by an iron structure which passes through the reservoir.Sources said due to the leakage, the ash slurry spilled directly into the reservoir. Of the four pipes, supported by the iron structure, one of the pipes has breached at a joint resulting in the spill. Head (HR), OPGC, Dilip Panda said the leakage was arrested as soon as they got information about the breach. He said the breach was for a very short period and steps had already been initiated to stop recurrence of such incidents.