Pipalapanka Dam Threat to Rushikulya River

• 07 Apr 2025

Source: DTE 

The Odisha government’s revived plan to build a dam at Pipalapanka has sparked protests, as locals and environmentalists accuse it of endangering the Rushikulya river to favour industries. 

• Rushikulya River: 
  • The Rushikulya River is a major river in Odisha, flowing primarily through the Kandhamal, Ganjam, and Boudh districts. 
  • Rushimala Hills part of the Daringbadi hills of the Eastern Ghats range.  
    • Daringbadi, where the river originates, is called the ' Kashmir of Odisha ' 
    • Rushikulya River does not form a delta at its mouth. 
  • Tributaries such as Jarau, Badanadi, Baghua, Dhanei, and Ghodahada once ensured perennial flow but are now weakened due to damming. 
    • Activists warn that illegal sand mining and industrial projects have further endangered the river’s health. 
• Olive Ridley Turtle Nesting Site:  
  • At the river’s mouth lies Rushikulya Beach, a globally important site for Olive Ridley Turtle nesting. 
    • Each year, from January to March, thousands of turtles arrive for mass nesting — a phenomenon known as Arribada. 
  • Activists fear that the dam would exacerbate salinity intrusion from the Bay of Bengal and reduce fish yield due to freshwater depletion. 
    • Climate change-induced rising temperatures are skewing Olive Ridley turtle sex ratios, producing more females and endangering species survival. 

Read More: Olive Ridley Turtles