Bhubaneswar: The flood situation in Odisha improved considerably on Sunday as the water receded from vast areas of the State, said Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), Pradeep Jena. He added that by day end tomorrow the situation is likely to get better.
Jena said, “The inflow at Hirakud Dam has been on a decline. Almost 10 lakh cusecs of Mahandi water is being received in Mundali and it will remain the same till tomorrow. However, since the inflow has shown a decreasing trend, the floodwater will also effectively reduce in coming days in affected districts,”
Peak flood is being witnesses in Mundali today and it will get better tomorrow end of the day, he added.
Coming to river basins across the State, SRC said that Subarnarekha, Baitarani, Brahmani, Budhabalanga rivers are no more in spate and water has started to recede by Sunday morning. Areas lying in the mentioned river basins are no more at risk.
The worst affected Jajpur district has also seen a positive improvement in the flood situation. Of the 32 breaches in different river basins, 24 are in Jajpur district alone. 17 senior officials have been deployed for relief management. In Bhadrak too, the water levels have been receding and flood alert removed. Kendrapada’s Dhoiya, Ali, Rajkanika in Brahmani river basin witnessed heavy waterlogging was like every year. Everything is under control here today.
The Daya and Bhargavi river system too swelled up this year upon a heavy rainfall. Kanasa and Delanda areas of Puri were inundated; however, water was receding here too.
Jena also lauded the efforts put in by officials of various departments. He said, “Major land erosions have been averted by officials from the Water Resources department. District officials along with officers on special duty have been conducting regular night patrolling and embankment patrolling. They are also actively involved in relief work.”
A special ODRAF team assigned to Mahanadi basin in addition to seven teams of ODRAF, NDRF, and local Fire Service. Seven additional Fire Service teams have also been deployed to handle the rescue and relief operations.
Accompanying the SRC today was Water Resources Department’s Principal Secretary Anu Garg. She reiterated Jena and said, “Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, Baitarani, Brahmani rivers are stable now and flowing below the danger level. Three sluice gates of Rengali dam have been closed and the 4th will be closed by today afternoon.”
She added that the Engineer in Chief (Planning) has been deployed to handle breach in the embankments across Odisha. “Necessary workforce and machinery have been allocated. And once the water recedes the teams will inspect and do the necessary,” she added.
