The Rengali Dam in Odisha released its first floodwater of the season on Saturday, prompted by a steady rise in the Brahmani river’s water level due to consistent upstream rainfall. Water was discharged through one gate, with no immediate flood threat in downstream areas, according to officials.
As of 6 PM, the reservoir level had reached 121 metres, nearing its full capacity of 123.50 metres. An inflow of 2,489 cubic metres per second is being balanced by a discharge of 1,900 cubic metres per second via the power channel and one open gate.
Chief Engineer Hrudananda Mallick of the Water Resources Department stated that another gate may be opened if the inflow continues to rise, though conditions remain under control. The dam’s operations are in accordance with standard operating procedures, including advance siren warnings and village-level announcements.
District administrations in Dhenkanal, Kendrapara, Angul, Jajpur, and Cuttack—areas potentially impacted by increased outflow—have been alerted. All flood control teams are on standby, and continuous monitoring is underway to ensure public safety.
Mallick added, “The situation is being closely watched, and all necessary precautions are in place to avoid any emergency downstream.”
