Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has ordered a detailed investigation into claims that a private power generation company released excess water into the Baitarani River without notifying authorities, a move that allegedly intensified flooding in parts of Kendujhar district.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced the probe following a review of the flood situation across northern Odisha. He stated that the unauthorised discharge had worsened conditions in the district and raised serious concerns about the absence of prior communication with the district administration. “The flood situation in Kendujhar district worsened after a private power generation company discharged excess water into the Baitarani without informing the authorities or the district administration,” Pujari told reporters.
The minister directed the Kendujhar collector to examine the circumstances of the release, determine whether established procedures and regulations were followed, and take appropriate action.
He noted that the same company had caused a similar issue during the previous monsoon season, prompting the government to treat the matter with seriousness.
Odisha has been witnessing severe flooding triggered by heavy rainfall in several northern and coastal districts, including Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj and Kendujhar. Authorities have reported that more than two lakh people have been impacted across hundreds of villages, with tens of thousands evacuated to relief camps where food, drinking water and medical support are being provided. Water levels in the Baitarani and its tributaries have fluctuated, crossing danger marks at certain points and contributing to waterlogging and infrastructure disruptions in low-lying areas.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely while coordinating rescue and relief operations.