Sambalpur, Sept. 5: Authorities of the Hirakud dam here have taken steps to strengthen security at the site.

Police had sent a proposal to strengthen security at the site almost a year ago considering the importance of the place and the growing number of visitors.

Chief engineer of the Hirakud Dam Project Harmohan Pradhan said: "The home and water resource departments have recommended strengthening security at the dam site. We are making an estimate for the implementation of these recommendations."

"The district police of Bargarh and Sambalpur had sent proposals to the home department to strengthen security at the site. Subsequently, the home and water resource departments recommended steps to strengthen security," he added. He also said the dam authorities would execute the recommendations.

According to the recommendations, the dam authorities will have to install more than 50 CCTV cameras at all the entry and exit points. Similarly, two watchtowers will also be set up on both sides.

The home and water resource departments have also recommended beefing up patrolling of the reservoir. "We will deploy Odisha Industrial Security Forces personnel if required," said Pradhan.

At present, 31 personnel of the state police are in charge of security at the dam, which was formally inaugurated in 1957. The dam's main section is 4.8km long, while the total length is around 25.8km.

Sambalpur district superintendent Akhilesvar Singh said: "Though there are arrangements for security at the dam, they are unarmed. There is a need to upgrade the security at the site. We also held a meeting with officials of the home and water resource departments regarding this on August 12."

The dam attracts thousands of tourists from across the country every year. Apart from this, the two towers - Gandhi Minar on the the Hirakud side and Nehru Minar on the Burla side - are also popular attractions.

"Many picnickers come to the site in winter and on several occasions, unpleasant incidents have taken place because of the absence of security forces. Once OSIF personnel patrol the area, such incidents can be checked," said Burla resident Ashis Panda.

"The Hirakud dam is one of the longest earthen dams in the world and an asset of the state. It is a major tourist attraction. Considering the sensitivity of the place, adequate security should be provided to ensure its safety. I am happy that the dam authorities have decided to install CCTV cameras and strengthen security," said local resident Ardhendu Panda.