The first floodwaters of the year finally reached the Mundali barrage late Friday night, marking the arrival of the monsoon season in the Mahanadi river system.
Heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of the Hirakud reservoir caused the water level in the dam to rise sharply. In response, authorities began releasing water through 10 gates of the Hirakud Dam since Thursday.
The released water has now travelled downstream and reached Mundali. Officials recorded a steady increase in water flow throughout Friday.
Here are the key measurements at Mundali:
- 9 AM: Inflow 79,800 cusecs | Outflow 77,100 cusecs
- 12 Noon: Inflow 79,500 cusecs | Outflow 76,500 cusecs
- 3 PM: Inflow 79,400 cusecs | Outflow 76,400 cusecs
- 6 PM: Inflow 79,900 cusecs | Outflow 76,900 cusecs
- 9 PM: Inflow 81,200 cusecs | Outflow 89,900 cusecs
By late evening, 1,96,000 cusecs of water was flowing through the Mundali barrage — still well below the danger mark. The floodwater is gradually rising at Mundali, and a corresponding rise in water levels is expected in the Mahanadi and its major branches, including the Kathajodi and Kuakhai.
However, the Water Resources Department has clarified that there is no possibility of flooding or damage in the lower reaches. With rainfall having significantly reduced both in the upper catchment and downstream areas, authorities have ruled out any flood threat.
In view of the rising water levels, Cuttack District Collector has issued strict instructions prohibiting people from gathering on riverbanks, bridges, or taking photographs near the water. Police have been deployed and are maintaining strict vigil at the Mundali barrage to enforce the order.
The controlled release from Hirakud and the current water levels indicate that the monsoon has begun in earnest, but the situation remains under close watch and fully manageable.
