Sasaram: A dispute between the forest department and irrigation department over vehicle access to Karamchat Dam in Rohtas district has disrupted boating, inconvenienced tourists and raised concerns over revenue losses. Counted among Bihar’s 10 popular tourist destinations, the dam, part of the Durgawati Reservoir Project, attracts visitors for its scenic surroundings and boating facilities. The state govt also launched helicopter services to the destination in June.The dispute intensified three days ago when irrigation department executive engineer Abhishek Kumar and another official, Sikandar Kumar, reached the dam in a govt vehicle for inspection but were allegedly stopped at a barrier erected by the forest department.The dispute centres on restrictions on vehicular movement along the dam embankment. The irrigation department has installed a gate and restricted vehicles from passing through. Forest personnel said the move was inconveniencing tourists, who had to walk several kilometres to reach the boating area. They argued officials should also follow the same restrictions.Executive engineer Abhishek, however, defended the decision, saying the gate had been installed after obtaining a no-objection certificate from the forest department and in accordance with Central Water Commission (CWC) norms.The restrictions have left boats and the boathouse idle for three days. The boating agency has approached the state govt, warning of revenue losses. The disruption has also raised concerns over tourist footfall and the livelihoods of people dependent on visitors.The water resources department has also described boating at Karamchat Dam as a violation of CWC norms and sought an investigation by higher authorities. It said the dam is around 50 metres high and the stated guideline requires boating at a distance equivalent to 10 times its height, or around 500 metres. The department claimed boating is currently conducted at 50 metres, though the applicability of the guideline and actual distance need verification.Rohtas divisional forest officer Stalin Fiddle Kumar denied that irrigation department officials had been stopped at the site.Sikandar, executive engineer of the dam, said a report had been submitted to the Rohtas DM and senior department officers were aware of the issue.
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