Bhubaneswar: Major rivers in Odisha are now flowing below the danger level, Odisha Water Resources Dept Engineer-in-Chief Bijay Mishra informed on Tuesday.
“Breaches have developed at seven places in the Mahanadi system. While these are being temporarily fixed, permanent repair works will be done in September,” said Mishra.
He further said that the flood situation in the state is improving with a reduced discharge of floodwaters from Jharkhand. “We are keeping a watch on the IMD forecast and steps being taken accordingly,” he added.
On Monday, Special Relief Commissioner Pradeep Jena tweeted, “Now Odisha Water Resources Department should immediately start closing the breaches in all embankments in next 5-7 days by putting adequate men and equipment. This is very important.”
Accoridng to State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), Jalaka river was flowing at 6.41 metres against the danger level of 5.5 metres at Mathani at 12 noon and showing a falling trend. All other major rivers, including Mahanadi, Devi, Kushabhadra, IB, Brahmani, Baitarani, Burhabalanga, Subarnarekha, Vasandhara, and Rushikulya, are flowing below danger levels.
The SEOC also informed that the water level at Hirakud dam reservoir at 12 noon stood at 623.45 feet. The inflow was 1,55,439 cusec and outflow was 1,00,207 cusec through four slice gates. On the other hand, the discharge at Khairmal was 2.19 lakh cusec, 2,79,500 cusec at Barmul, and 3,99,672 cusec at Mundali.