Bhubaneswar: The Goddess Bhattarika temple in Baramba, Cuttack district, is facing a severe threat due to the rising floodwaters of the Mahanadi River. Excess water from the Hirakud dam has reached Mundali, causing the water level to swell.
As a result, floodwaters have entered the temple floor, prompting temple servitors and Endowment department officials to closely monitor the situation.
To ensure the safety of the deity, arrangements have been made to shift it to the Rosha Ghara (kitchen) located on the adjacent Ratnagiri hill, where daily rituals will be conducted until the floodwater recedes. The Endowment Department has advised devotees to avoid visiting the temple during the flood situation.
According to official data, over 3.83 lakh cusecs of water was flowing from Mundali till 7 am, and the water discharge is being carried out through 20 gates. The water level is expected to rise further, with the flow rate increasing by over 15,000 cusecs per hour near Mundali in Cuttack. As per the latest update, the water flow has reached over 4.36 lakh cusecs and is expected to exceed 5 lakh cusecs by evening.
The situation is being closely monitored by the authorities, and necessary precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of the temple and its devotees.
