Bhubaneswar: A minor flood is likely in the Mahanadi delta region on Monday as around 8 lakh cusecs of water is expected to reach Mundali by around 9am, Water Resources Department Engineer-in-Chief Dillip Kumar Rout said on Sunday.
Rout said the water flow in the Mahanadi was being closely monitored and efforts were being made to keep the discharge at Mundali within 8 lakh cusecs. The expected rise in the river level may affect low-lying areas of Khordha, Kataka, Puri, Jagatsinghpur and parts of Kendrapada districts.
“Tomorrow, we expect around 8 lakh cusecs of water to reach Mundali by around 9am. We are closely monitoring the situation,” Rout said.
He said 24 gates of the Hirakud reservoir had been opened and the department was monitoring the discharge from the dam to regulate the flow towards Mundali. The department was also keeping a close watch on the Tel river, where the water level was showing a falling trend.
“Our effort is to ensure that the discharge at Mundali does not exceed 8 lakh cusecs,” Rout said.
Meanwhile, water levels in several other rivers had started receding, providing some relief in different parts of the state.
In the Baitarani river, the water level at Akhuapada was 18.21 metres and showing a falling trend, against the danger level of 18.33 metres. The water level in the Budhabalanga river at Govindpur was 7.86 metres, below its danger level of 8.13 metres. Rout said the level was expected to fall further to around 7.21 metres by Sunday evening, which would help improve the flood situation.
The Jalka river, however, continued to remain above its danger mark. The water level was 6.66 metres against the danger level of 6.5 metres, and the situation was expected to remain steady for another 24 to 48 hours, Rout said.
At Rajghat, the Salandi river was flowing at 19.60 feet, against the danger level of 17 feet.
There was no flood situation in the Brahmani river, Rout said, adding that the Rengali reservoir was being monitored.
In southern Odisha, water levels in the Indravati, Kolab, Balimela, Bansadhara and Rushikulya rivers had started receding following the impact of the low-pressure system. Water levels at most locations were below the danger mark, while several areas had witnessed a reduction in water levels.
“There is currently no major flood-like situation in southern Odisha. Our focus is now on the Mahanadi, and we are closely monitoring the situation,” Rout said.
The Water Resources Department had also directed field-level engineers, from junior engineers to chief engineers, to remain at their respective headquarters and undertake night patrolling to monitor the river situation.
Rout said the department was taking all necessary measures to closely monitor water levels and manage the expected flow at Mundali.
