Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today directed government functionaries and district administration to be prepared for a possible flood situation.
Patnaik, during a review meeting at the State Secretariat in Bhubaneswar asked the administration to be on high alert.
"7.5 lakh cusecs water will flow through Munduli barrage by 3 pm due to which a small or medium flood will occur. Authorities of Hirakud dam will open gates tomorrow and 3 lakh cusec of water will be released. However, there is nothing to worry about," said Water Resources Secretary Pradeep Jena, at the review meeting.
A small or medium flood is likely to occur on the Mahanadi basin following the torrential rains in past three days. However, there is no possibility for a major flood, said Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupada Sethi.
“As per the Water Resources department, eight lakh cusecs water will flow through Munduli barrage by this evening, thereby triggering a small or medium flood in Mahanadi,” Sethi said.
"Keeping in view of this situation, the government has asked the district collectors to be prepared for possible flood situation. The administration of Jajpur, Cuttack, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapra and Khurda districts has been alerted and asked to keep vigil on weak embankments and alert people in low lying areas. They have been directed to keep shelters ready to house relocated people in case of any emergency. Every possible step will be taken to save lives of people."
Baitarani river has touched danger mark near Akhuapada and eight to nine panchayats in Dhamnagar and Bhandaripokhari might get affected by the flood, he further stated.
Elaborating on the flood situation, chief engineer of Flood Control cell Purna Chandra Sahu said flood discharge at Khariamal has declined to 3.90 lakh cusecs and Baramul the water quantity has declined to 6.22 lakh cusecs.
"At present 6.83 lakh cusec water is flowing thorough Munduli. Therefore, those who are living on embankments have been alerted. Otherwise there is no need to panic. Due to rain in low catchment areas this flood-like situation has emerged. After the flood water passes the Munduli barrage the gates of Hirakud will be opened," Sahu added.