There would be no problem in managing floods in Mahanadi basin: SRC 

With the IMD predicting more rains for Odisha from today due to the well-marked low pressure concentrating into depression, we are getting ready for maximum 50 mm rainfall, informed SRC Pradeep Jena on Thursday. 

“As per the IMD’s forecast, coastal areas of the state are likely to experience rainfall from today evening to August 20. North and western Odisha will also experience downpours on August 20 and 21. We are getting prepared for maximum of 55 mm rainfall. It is expected that by 21, the inflow into the Hirakud reservoir will be 5.5 lakh cusec and the water level would have come down to 621,” said Jena. 

“There would be no problem in managing the flow of water in Mahanadi system. The amount of water flowing in the system would have reduced considerably,” Jena added. 

“Since Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur and Keonjhar are likely to witness rains under the impact of depression, we are reducing water levels in the reservoirs in these districts. As the water level in the Rengali dam in Brahmani basin is at far low, more water can be stored there. So there would be no fear of flood in Brahmani river,” he added. 

As of now, the inflow of water into Hirakud reservoir and outflow from the reservoir are 4,40,000 and 6,74,000 cusecs respectively. At present, the water level stands at 624.43 feet. Our efforts are on to reduce it to 622 feet. There will be a review meeting after 3 pm today and, there, a decision would be taken to close some gates, informed Jena. 

A total of seven breaches have been reported. No new breach has been reported since yesterday. Even as water levels have reduced by two feet in most areas, in Kanas area, it will take some time, said Jena.