The Odisha Water Resources Department and Kendujhar district administration have issued a strong clarification dismissing rumours of cracks or structural faults at the Kanpur irrigation project.
Officials confirmed that the main dam remains fully secure, and only a temporary cofferdam—constructed for maintenance and auxiliary works—experienced overflow due to rising reservoir levels from continuous rainfall.
As of July 30, the reservoir level stood at 432.95 m, well below the Full Reservoir Level of 440.00 m, though higher than the crest level of 428.00 m. Authorities said inflow was 648.482 cumecs per second, while outflow was 1,040 cumecs, ensuring gradual reduction of water levels.
The administration stressed that no villages are at risk, as released water will remain confined to the natural riverbed, flowing through Champua, Joda, Jhumapura, Keonjhar Sadar and Patna before reaching Anandpur barrage by evening.
As a precaution, BDOs and tehsildars have been alerted, public announcements made, and senior officials including the ADM and CDO‑cum‑EO, ZP are monitoring the situation round‑the‑clock.
Authorities urged media and social media users to act responsibly, verifying facts before publishing, as misinformation could cause unnecessary panic and stress among citizens.
