Cuttack, Jul 27: The swelling waters of the Mahanadi River have reached the boundary of the revered Maa Bhattarika Temple at Baramba in Cuttack district for the second time this year, raising concerns among devotees and temple authorities.

The flood situation has intensified following the release of water from the Hirakud Dam, coupled with continuous rainfall over the past two days. As the river level rose, floodwaters touched the temple premises, although they have not yet entered the sanctum or disrupted daily worship.

Despite the rising water levels, all religious rituals and daily ceremonies at the shrine are continuing without interruption. The temple's priest committee and the Endowment Department are maintaining a close watch on the situation and have taken precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the deity and the temple premises.

Temple authorities have prepared a contingency plan in case the water level rises further. If additional gates of the Hirakud reservoir are opened and floodwaters enter the temple, the presiding deity, Maa Bhattarika, will be shifted to a designated safe location near the temple to protect the idol from inundation.

Officials of the Baramba Endowment Department, along with temple priests, remain on high alert as they continue to monitor the river's water level. The administration has assured that all necessary arrangements are in place to safeguard the temple and ensure the uninterrupted conduct of rituals during the ongoing flood situation.