Despite drought, water level in Odisha reservoirs satisfactory

Bhubaneswar: While severe drought in the country has triggered acute water crisis in some states like Maharashtra, Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan where the water level in the reservoirs in these states has receded alarmingly, in Odisha, the situation is comparatively much better as the water level in major reservoirs is found to be satisfactory.

The water level of Hirakud reservoir, which was 609-87 feet in April last year, is 611.25 in April this year.

“Though there has been no substantial rainfall since September last year, the dam authorities have managed to keep the water level at a satisfactory level through proper water management, said Biswajit Mohanty,” chief engineer of the Hirakud dam.

In Koraput, the water level of Jalaput reservoir has remained one foot above in April this year (2726.4 feet) as compared to the water level (2725.5 feet) in the same month last year.

However, in the diversion dam of Jalaput, water level of Machhkund has gone down by 10 feet (83) as compared to 93 feet in April last year.

“Till now the there is no problem in the reservoir. But there will be problem if there is no adequate rainfall in the ensuing monsoon,” said Benjamin Lima, executive engineer, Machhkund Hydropower Project.

In Malkangiri district, water level of Balimela reservoir is 1477.8 feet in April this year which, according to the dam authorities, is slightly less as compared to the last year. The optimum capacity of the reservoir is 1516 feet.