Bhubaneswar: The Baitarani River in Odisha is experiencing its third flood in the past three months, according to the Water Resources Department’s Chief Engineer, Chandra Shekhar Padhee.
“The heavy rainfall has also caused a rise in water levels in other rivers, including the Subarnarekha. The upper Mahanadi, Baitarani, and Budhabalanga rivers have seen significant rainfall, with the Baitarani River experiencing a minor flood. The river is flowing 0.5 meters above the danger mark at Akhuapada. Meanwhile, the Hirakud Dam has opened 14 gates to release excess water”, stated Padhee.
He, however, made it clear that while the water level in the Mahanadi River is expected to rise, it will not cause flooding. The situation is being closely monitored, and measures are being taken to mitigate the impact of flooding.
“Currently, 14 gates of the Hirakud Dam are open to release floodwater, with an inflow of 2.15 lakh cusecs and a discharge of 1.33 lakh cusecs. The water level in the dam is expected to rise further, and the situation is being closely monitored. Decision on opening more gates will be taken in the coming days based on the situation”, he added.
