Odisha: Inflow Continues To Rise In Mahanadi; Water Level Of Bansadhara & Baitarani Crosses Danger Mark

Bhubaneswar: With rain continuing to lash Odisha on the influence of depression in Bay of Bengal, the water level has crossed danger mark in two rivers and that of four rivers continue to rise.

Speaking to media persons in Bhubaneswar on Sunday, engineer-in-chief, Water Resources, Bijay Kumar Mishra said the inflow into Hirakud dam over Mahanadi in Samablpur district was 5.6 lakh cusec while the outflow was 5.4 lakh cusec. The water level in the reservoir is likely to go up at night as upstream and downstream of the river has been receiving rain continuously, he added.

At present 34 sluice gates of the dam have been opened. More gates will be opened depending on the inflow from rain and release of excess water by Chhattisgarh, he said.

The barrage on the river at Mundali in Cuttack was receiving an inflow of 5.56 lakh cusec at 7 am on the day. The inflow at the barrage is likely to go upto 7 lakh cusec on Monday morning when the floodwater from Hirakud will reach there.

Besides, the water level of Bansadhara at Kasinagar in Gajapati district has crossed danger mark by 6 inches. Similarly, Baitarani was flowing at 17.96 metre against the danger mark of 17.86 metre at Akhuapada in Bhadrak district.

Mishra further said the water of Jalaka, Rushikulya, Budhabalanga rivers was also rising at different places but were below danger mark. At the same time, there has been no report breaches in an river so far, he added.

“All officials have been directed to monitor possible flood situation in vulnerable areas and in case of any emergency situation, they would discuss with district collectors to take necessary steps. They would also inspect the condition of the embankments at critical points of the rivers,” Mishra said.