The Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Department, Chandrasekhar Padhi, has addressed concerns over the flood situation in Odisha, stating that there is no flood-like condition anywhere in the state. Heavy rainfall in southern and western districts has led to rising water levels in several rivers, but they remain below the danger mark.
Yesterday, 49 block headquarters recorded over 50 mm of rainfall, while the Kalimela block in Malkangiri district saw 100 mm. Due to the downpour in south Odisha, red warnings were issued for Koraput, Malkangiri, and Kalahandi in the west. “Water levels are rising due to the rain, but not above the danger level,” Padhi clarified. He emphasised vigilance for the Mahanadi river’s branches, including Kathajodi, Birupa, Kushabhadra, Daya, Bhargavi, Luna, Devi, Paika, and Chitrotpala.
Similarly, water levels in the Vansadhara and Rushikulya rivers are increasing but still below the danger threshold. At Hirakud dam, the maximum storage level is 630 feet, with the current level at 627.85 feet. Water is being released through 16 gates, and a decision has been made to close six more gates based on downstream conditions at Naraj. At Mundali, 5.96 lakh cusecs of water is flowing.
Padhi noted that rainfall in the Sukhtel and Jira river catchments could lead to increased water at Khairmal and Mundali. Additional inflow from the Tel river is expected, but it will remain below 6 lakh cusecs. Once river levels recede, low-lying areas will see reduced waterlogging. At Rengali, one gate has been closed for the Brahmani river, with the water level at 123.35 meters.
According to the IMD forecast shared by the chief engineer, there is no likelihood of rain in the coming days. It is worth noting that continuous rainfall has caused water levels to rise in some rivers, but none are flowing above the danger mark. The state currently faces no flood situation. Water from the Hirakud reservoir is being released and flowing through Mundali barrage. As of 7 AM, 5,92,255 cusecs of floodwater was passing through Mundali, with levels gradually rising and potentially crossing 6 lakh cusecs. Currently, the water level at the Mahanadi upstream is 88.90 feet and downstream 86.90 feet.
