Bhubaneswar, November 2: The Odisha Government has intensified precautionary measures to tackle the anticipated heavy rainfall under the influence of cyclone Murasu, with the Water Resources Department initiating controlled water releases from several reservoirs across the State to create adequate flood cushion.

As part of its advance preparedness strategy, five gates of Hirakud Dam have been opened to regulate rising inflows from the upstream catchment and create additional storage capacity. The controlled discharge is aimed at accommodating possible cyclone-induced rainfall and preventing excessive water accumulation in the Mahanadi system.

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Similar measures have been initiated at Baghalati and Ghodahada reservoirs, where controlled water releases commenced on Sunday evening. Discharge is being maintained at 85 cumecs from Baghalati and 115 cumecs from Ghodahada, with the objective of bringing down their storage levels to around 60 per cent.

The release operations are being carried out in the presence of the Additional Chief Engineer of the Rushikulya-Bahuda Basin, following all prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and precautionary measures. The Collector and District Magistrate of Srikakulam has also been informed about the releases.

Meanwhile, the Water Resources Department has prepared a phased discharge plan for Badanala and Harabhangi reservoirs to create additional storage space ahead of the anticipated rainfall.

Badanala Reservoir is currently at 78.46 per cent of its storage capacity, with a spillway discharge of 102.13 cumecs. The discharge is scheduled to be increased to 175 cumecs and maintained until the afternoon of November 2, with the target of reducing the reservoir's storage level to approximately 60 per cent.

Harabhangi Reservoir, which is currently holding 85.55 per cent of its capacity, has a spillway discharge of 257 cumecs. The existing discharge will continue until the morning of November 2, after which it is planned to be increased to 360 cumecs and maintained until the evening. The move is aimed at reducing the reservoir's storage level to around 60 per cent.

Officials said the advance releases are intended to ensure sufficient storage capacity to accommodate additional runoff from possible heavy rainfall associated with the approaching weather system.