Brahmapur: With torrential rain triggered by cyclone Arnab pushing the Ghodahada Dam in Odisha’s Ganjam district close to its full capacity, authorities have opened five of its six spillway gates.
According to officials, water from the dam is being released into the Ghodahada river at a rate of 350 cubic metres per second (cumecs).
People living along the riverbanks have been cautioned that crocodiles from the reservoir may enter the river through the open gates along with the released water.
According to recent census data, there are over 95 Mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) in and around the Ghodahada Dam and its neighbouring water bodies.
The Water Resources Department has issued warnings through public-address systems, advising riverside residents not to enter the swollen river or allow their domestic animals to approach it, as the strong current poses a serious threat.
According to department officials, floodwater from rivers, streams and tributaries in Gajapati district is flowing into the dam at a rate of around 400 cumecs. With the inflow exceeding the volume of water being released, authorities are closely monitoring the situation to manage the rising water level.
Of the dam’s six spillway gates, two were initially opened, followed by two more around midnight on Wednesday and another on Thursday. The dam recorded 436 mm of rainfall between 6 am on Wednesday and 6 am on Thursday, while Dighapahandi received 365 mm during the same period.
The dam’s designed water level is 117.80 metres. By Thursday morning, the water level had reached 116.90 metres, or approximately 96 per cent of its capacity. Officials said the level would be maintained at around 116.80 metres by releasing excess water downstream.
The rising river has already caused extensive flooding in several villages. Embankments of ponds and other water bodies have reportedly breached, allowing floodwater to enter residential areas in parts of Dighapahandi and Sanakhemundi blocks. Several agricultural fields, including paddy and vegetable crops, have also been submerged.
In Phasiguda village under Dighapahandi block, 15 people, including 14 women and a temple priest, were stranded at a Bhagabata temple after floodwater from a local stream surrounded the structure on Wednesday evening. After ODRAF and fire service personnel failed to complete the rescue amid the strong current and a boat motor malfunction, villagers led by Sarpanch representative Shibaram Pradhan used ropes to rescue all the stranded people late on Thursday evening, after nearly 24 hours.
Senior officials and police personnel visited the dam to assess the situation. Personnel of the Ghodahada Irrigation Office are continuing to monitor the reservoir and regulate the release of water.
Authorities have urged people to strictly follow the warnings and remain away from the river until the flood situation subsides.
