TV
Flood management in the Subarnarekha River largely depends on Jharkhand’s Chandil Dam. Hence, Odisha lacks the ability to control floods on its side, Water Resources Department Chief Engineer (Procurement) Sagar Mohanty said on Wednesday.
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Odisha faces flood concerns as continuous rainfall raises water levels in several rivers. While some remain below danger marks, delays in water discharge and an upcoming low-pressure system could intensify the situation across multiple basins, the official warned.
According to the Department sources, the current water level in the Indravati reservoir stands at 57 millimeters. Despite steady rainfall in the Kolab basin, the water in rivers like Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, and Jalaka remains below the danger mark. However, many villages are still struggling with waterlogging, as floodwaters have not drained completely.
There is a significant delay in the discharge of water into the sea, increasing the risk of localised flooding. While water levels in the Baitarani River are now receding, the looming low-pressure system forecasted to form over Odisha and Jharkhand could result in more rain.
Heavy rainfall is expected over the upper catchments of the Subarnarekha, Brahmani, Baitarani, and Mahanadi rivers. Authorities warn that if this rainfall occurs all at once, alerts will be issued immediately. These rivers are capable of managing increased water flow, except for the Subarnarekha, which lacks effective flood control infrastructure within Odisha.
With higher-than-normal rainfall recorded over the past month, officials note that while the situation raises flood concerns, it is favorable for agriculture. Providing updates, the Chief Engineer highlighted both the benefits and challenges of the current monsoon trend.
“Out of 11 basins the State has, Indravati and Kolab basins are witnessing rainfall activities. Overall rainfall across the State, apart from sporadic rains, is less now,” the Chief Engineer expressed when contacted.
“Water levels in different rivers are either at par or below the ‘danger mark’. The water level of Subarnarekha at Jamsola Ghat is steady and is now at 48.38. The danger mark at Rajghat is 10.36, whereas the water level is now at 10.21,” the Chief Engineer informed OTV.
