Hirakud Dam in Odisha Releases Excess Water, High Alert Issued

Authorities at Hirakud Dam in Odisha released excess water from the reservoir on Sunday due to heavy rains, marking the first such action this monsoon season, an official stated. Water was discharged through 20 of the dam's 67 gates into the downstream Mahanadi river. This was necessary as the reservoir's water level was rising because of upstream rainfall, according to Water Resources Department Engineer-in-Chief Bhakta Ranjan Mohanty.

Water Management and Safety Measures

The gates were opened in three phases: seven gates at 9:30 am, another seven at 12:30 pm, and the remaining six at 2:30 pm. This phased approach aimed to manage the excess water efficiently. "All Water Resources Department officials have been instructed to stay at their headquarters and closely monitor the situation," an official mentioned. Despite the release, Mohanty assured that there is no flood threat.

The Hirakud Dam's water level stood at 617.77 feet at 2 pm, against its full capacity of 630 feet. The inflow into the reservoir was recorded at 2.79 lakh cusecs, while the outflow was 2.50 lakh cusecs. An official report indicated that the water level is on a rising trend.

Impact on Downstream Areas

The state government noted that due to the opening of 20 gates, Khairmal's discharge would reach around 4.50 lakh cusecs by 8 am on July 29, and Mundali's discharge will be approximately 5 lakh cusecs by 11 am on July 30. Collectors from Sambalpur, Sonepur, Nayagarh, Puri, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, and Kendrapara have been instructed to alert residents in downstream areas not to enter the Mahanadi riverside and to keep domestic animals away from the river.

The District Emergency Operation Centre will be staffed by senior officers to ensure effective monitoring and response. The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) emphasized this in a letter to collectors.

Weather Forecast and Precautions

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted continued heavy rainfall across several districts in Odisha for the next four days. On Monday, heavy rain is expected in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur districts. The IMD has also issued warnings for downpours in these districts for July 30. Rainfall intensity is predicted to increase over the following two days.

In addition to Hirakud Dam, Baitarani River's water level is also rising. At noon, it was flowing at 17.40 metres at Akhuapada in Bhadrak district, close to its warning level of 17.83 metres and danger level of 18.33 metres.

Collectors were advised to remain vigilant and monitor the situation closely. "Collectors should ensure that people are aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions," an official said.

The authorities' proactive measures aim to manage water levels effectively while ensuring public safety amid ongoing heavy rains.