The Hirakud Dam is all set to open its gates on July 9 to release the first floodwaters of the current monsoon season into the Mahanadi River.
The decision has sent waves of anxiety through low-lying villages across several districts, where residents fear their homes and farmlands may soon be submerged.
After a full week of continuous rainfall across Odisha, water levels in the Mahanadi, its tributaries, and the Baitarani river have risen sharply. The Hirakud reservoir currently stands at 604 feet. Authorities have indicated that gates will be opened once the level crosses 607 feet to manage the heavy inflow.
The move comes at a time when an active low-pressure system is moving over the upper catchment areas of the Mahanadi. While rainfall is expected to gradually decrease across the state from Tuesday, officials warn that more rain is still likely in the upper reaches, which could further push river levels higher in the coming days.
Small-scale flooding likely in three districts
Water levels in the Baitarani river have already crossed the danger mark at Akhuapada. This has raised the possibility of minor flooding in Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Balasore districts. Low-lying areas along the Mahanadi and its branches are also under threat.
Dilip Rout, Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Department, said interior districts have received 2–3 cm of rainfall daily on average over the past week. “The situation has arisen because interior Odisha received more rain compared to the upper Mahanadi catchment,” he explained.
Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar, confirmed that the low-pressure system will weaken its influence from Tuesday, but cautioned that rainfall may still increase temporarily in the upper Mahanadi region.
Districts on alert, farmers warned
District administrations have been directed to remain fully prepared. Rescue teams are on standby, and people living along riverbanks are being made aware of the risks. Farmers have been advised to stay cautious while working in low-lying fields, as standing paddy and other crops could be damaged by floodwater.
Residents in vulnerable areas have already begun shifting essential belongings to safer places. Many recall the fear from previous years and are once again preparing for possible inundation.
With the first flood release of the season just days away, authorities are urging everyone in low-lying and riverbank areas to remain alert and follow official instructions. While the overall rainfall trend is expected to ease soon, the next 48–72 hours remain critical for several parts of coastal and northern Odisha.
