Bhubaneswar, Aug 2: The threat of floods in Odisha's major rivers, including the Mahanadi, has now subsided. Reviewing the situation, Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Department, Dillip Raut, confirmed that flood fears have been averted.
He explained that the unusual rainfall pattern was the primary cause of the recent flood situation. While June recorded 47% less rainfall, July saw 38% more than normal, with some areas receiving up to 200 mm of rain in a short span, triggering floods.
Raut highlighted that flood control measures exist for the Mahanadi, but not for the Baitarani, making the latter more vulnerable. Currently, the department's focus remains on the Mahanadi and Hirakud reservoir.
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After upstream floodwaters subsided, water release from Hirakud began, with 22 gates opened. By noon on Sunday, the water level at Hirakud had dropped to 623.69 feet and is steadily decreasing. Authorities aim to reduce it further to 615 feet by August 4.
At present, Hirakud reservoir is receiving 2.12 lakh cusecs of inflow while discharging 3.83 lakh cusecs, nearly 1.5 times the inflow, ensuring water levels continue to fall.
On Saturday evening, Mundali recorded 5.59 lakh cusecs, Khairmal 5.34 lakh cusecs, and Barmul 4.72 lakh cusecs of water flow. Inflow into Hirakud has also reduced significantly - from 4.15 lakh cusecs in the morning to 2.84 lakh cusecs by evening. Outflow through the 22 gates stood at 3.86 lakh cusecs.
On Saturday, Hirakud's water level was 625.21 feet, but the steady release of water has brought it down. With inflow declining and controlled outflow continuing, officials confirm that the Mahanadi flood threat has been successfully managed.