Bhubaneswar, July 7: Even though there is no immediate flood situation in Odisha, authorities have opened 20 gates of the Hirakud Dam to release excess water. According to Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Department, Chandrasekhar Padhi, around 4.5 lakh cusecs of water are expected to reach the Mahanadi delta by 6 AM on Tuesday.
Padhi noted that despite the absence of a rainfall forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), unseasonal rains occurred, causing rivers like the Baitarani to flow above the danger level. Meanwhile, two gates of the Rengali Dam have also been opened for water discharge. Increased inflow is anticipated in the Budhabalanga River, although it is not expected to cross the danger mark.
In Jajpur district’s Dasarathpur area, a planned rural protection wall was not constructed, resulting in the breach of a small embankment. The breach has created a gap of approximately 20 to 30 feet, raising concerns among local residents.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have indicated that more gates may be opened at Hirakud if rainfall continues in the coming days.
