Bhubaneswar: The flood situation in Odisha is expected to take another three to four days to improve significantly, Engineer-in-Chief (EIC) of the Water Resources Department Dilip Rout informed on Tuesday while briefing on the current river conditions.
Speaking to the media, the EIC said that the flood level in the Baitarani river is gradually receding. However, the situation in the Brahmani river remains a matter of concern. Continuous rainfall in the upper catchment areas of the Brahmani has slowed down the rate of water level reduction in the lower reaches.
He further informed that the water level of the Baitarani river is gradually decreasing. The flood situation in the Salandi, Budhabalanga and Subarnarekha rivers remains stable at present.
Regarding the Subarnarekha, the EIC noted that flood water is likely to reach certain stretches by Wednesday evening. Approximately 5,500 cusecs of water is expected to be released from the Galudihi Barrage, which may lead to water entering some low-lying areas.
However, the EIC pointed out that the flood water is not receding in the proportion in which it is expected to decrease. While the water level is not falling adequately in the lower reaches, rainfall continues in the upper catchment areas due to the influence of a low-pressure system.
He added that the Water Resources Department is maintaining a special focus on the Baitarani and Brahmani rivers.
“The water coming from the upper reaches of the Brahmani is being regulated through the Rengali Dam. We are closely monitoring the situation. If there is no further rainfall in the coming days, the flood water is expected to recede gradually,” Rout stated.
The Water Resources Department continues to keep a close watch on all major rivers and is taking necessary measures to manage the flood waters effectively.
