Let us have a quick relook at the past. Not so long ago (in 2008) when the Mundali peak flow crossed 15.60 lakh cusecs, more than 4 million people were affected, the worst-affected districts being Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatgsinghpur and Puri where 240 breaches had occurred.
Over a period of six decades, people have been misled to believe that engineering solutions were the only answer to control floods. However, the experiences of large floods in 1955, 1982, 2001, 2008 and 2012 have demonstrated their inadequacy and ineffectiveness beyond a point.
CHANGES OVER THE DECADE
A well-entrenched engineer, politician and contractors lobby has been successful in mobilizing gargantuan amount of public funds to construct yet more bunds, embankments, etc. There is always pressure from the voters to build more and more embankments as people want to avoid the inconvenience of living with gentle floods. Nobody wants the muddy flood water in their village as it disrupts daily life. Roads got cut off and mobility was affected which was not a great issue 50 years ago.
Everyone knows how much of our budget is swallowed by the Water Resources Department for river flood control embankments, dams, etc. However, this has failed to prevent the recurrent high floods in Mahanadi and its distributaries.
A few years ago, Mahanadi River brought down huge quantities of silt and the large fan-like network of distributaries were useful in depositing silt over thousands of hectares of fertile agriculture land in the coastal delta districts. In fact, for farmers in the delta, the annual floods were a boon as it enriched the soil with rich silt leading to rich harvests.
When the state embarked on an embankment building spree since 1970s with generous doses of World Bank loans, the natural silt depositing process which had been going on for thousands of years was abruptly arrested since the embankments became artificial impediment to free spillage. This resulted in accumulation of silt in the river bed leading to increase in bed height over the last four decades which decreased the water carrying capacity of the river.
When the embankments breached, the intensity and duration of flooding increased. The water could not flow back back to the river due to obstruction posed by embankments. The flood plains which had hitherto open access to the river bed are now isolated and they turn into giant stagnant water pools increasing the misery of the victims. Therefore, we now see waterlogging inspite of a rapid decline in river level. Road communications collapse and crops rot. Mud houses collapse killing the inhabitants and cattle. The single most important cause of death for flood victims is mud house collapse.
There are many ox bow lakes and dead river channels beside the course of the river Mahanadi and its distributaries which are now illegally drained for agriculture and whose exits and inlets are blocked. Ansupa lake, for example, is less than half of its orignal spread. They used to absorb floodwaters and were effective natural sinks for floods. They have disappeared now and that volume of water which was retained upstream is now simply gushing down the river.
For thousands of years, the dwellers of Mahanadi delta had learnt to live with floods and had accordingly constructed houses only on high plinths which survived the worst of floods even though they were mud houses. The water used to drain out within 3-4 days after depositing rich silt which enriched the soil and lead to bumper crops. No longer this is happening. The silt and sand load is not being spread over the flood plain due the high embankments. It ends up on the river bed raising it every year with successive monsoon floods. More the bed rises more is the danger of flooding of the surroundings.
SOME FLOOD CONTROL/MITIGATION MEASURES:
Can we think beyond embankments and dams? In the era of climate change that is now playing out in full force, rainfall can be abrupt, unpredictable and incessant at times bringing down a deluge that cannot be managed for the simple reason because it never occurred historically in recorded memory.
Instead of embarking on high cost solutions by building another dam in downstream of Hirakud reservoir, government has to allow nature to play its role. Mitigation for flood damage would be more appropriate to manage floods rather than attempts to stop the river from flooding into the historical flood plains which nature has developed over centuries.
Satellite technology and GIS mapping should be used to study the flood patterns. We can get valuable data to identify the historical flood plains and natural drainage channels through which the flood waters entered and escaped.
The government's disaster management plans need a drastic change in the approach. Instead of trying to stop floods, we should now think of allowing soft flooding! Everyone knows the enormous power of the floodwaters that gush out of a breach in the embankment. We should think what could be done to decrease the chance of a breach! The force of the water gushing out of the breach which is usually 20-30 ft high from the ground level of surrounding paddy fields or villages causes enormous damage to infrastructure and human lives and cattle. Can we address this?
(1) While rebuilding the embankments, there should be reinforced concrete spillways on the banks at strategic points where breaches have been noticed historically to allow flood waters to escape after a certain level so that the high water pressure does not force the river to breach embankments and cause utter devastation. Most of the damage to houses, roads and installations is caused by the ferocity of the high currents which were created by the pressure build up due to extra high embankments. This was further aggravated by increased height of river levels due to unreleased silt load.
(2) The government should ensure that the extensive metal road network in the Mahanadi and other major rivers delta has sufficient number of causeways to allow free and quick flow of floodwater. Over the last 4 decades, these causeways have been built up to the level of the road to make it easy for driving. The design should not be altered as most roads laid during the British period had adequate causeways to allow excess water to flow.
(3) The Forest Department foolishly embarked upon the Green Mahanadi mission and planted up the flood plains and the river bed at many locations including Cuttack city. Creating obstructions on river beds lead to trapping of silt and sand and changes the natural topography of the river bed. This again leads to a rising river bed thereby creating a flooding potential. Shockingly, the W.R. Department never stepped in to halt such disastrous activity of the forest department. Even now there is time to cut down all such plantations in river beds and riverine islands and keep them free of trees to stop sand and silt trapping.
(4) People living in the flood vulnerable zones should be given special grants for building pucca houses on a war footing. All villages within a radius of 5 km of the river or distributary in the delta should be covered under this scheme. The state government can easily divert money from non-emergency purposes like Sports Stadium, Temple renovation and carry out such life saving work if money is an issue.
A trusted contractor should be engaged with a slightly higher cost, wherein he can complete the work using BIS standard materials within 3-4 months in every village. Such houses will be strong and can withstand flood fury. Moreover, a high platform for protecting cattle/goats should be built on stilts in each village. The money spent on such protective measures would be a fraction of that required to repair high embankments which do not guarantee that floods would not recur and the compensation payment for house damage.
(5) Let’s not recount the normal relief measures which need to be in place since the state government is well aware of SOP to be followed for this given the fact that Odisha regularly faces floods. There is a need for sufficient number of power boats and relief material to be stationed at vantage points. There is lack of a motivated volunteer group, which is why there is a necessity of building up an army of village-level trained volunteers of college students with regular training sessions and orientation at the local college who can assist the administration in carring out rescue and relief operations.
It is hard to fight nature and there is a limit to this too despite providing enormous budgets to do so. A better sustainable and low-cost strategy is to allow nature to play its course and also simultaneously make attempts to decrease the hard impacts on people of the delta.
(DISCLAIMER: This is an opinion piece. The views expressed are the author’s own and have nothing to do with OTV’s charter or views. OTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same. The author is a conservationist and a former member of the National Board for Wildlife. He can be reached at kachhapa@gmail.com)
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The report has it mentioned that the operation gallery, foundation gallery, gate shaft and sluice barrels of both left and right spillway have developed cracks.
Taking the development seriously, the Chief Engineer, Dam Safety has written a letter to the Chief Engineer and Basin Manager, Mahanadi Basin, Burla, asking him to get the dam inspected by an expert panel as soon as possible.
Notably, the Dam Safety Review Panel (DSRP) team had visited the Dam in 2020 and recommended further study of the cracks.
The team also suggested a drone-based inspection of the downstream face to take up, underwater videography of the face of the concrete spillway and cracks in the gate operation gallery need attention.
As per the suggestions made in the survey report, a survey was to be taken at least once in every five years. As no fresh survey has been undertaken since 1999, mapping of the new cracks was necessary along with the status of the old cracks.
Cracks on the downstream face were to be mapped and a comprehensive assessment and mapping of the cracks noticed on the various faces of the dam to be combined in a single document and drawing in a block-wise fashion.
The unusual observations were to be reported along with a copy of the comprehensive map for a suitable remedial solution.
The exercise of crack mapping was to be extended to the foundation gallery and videography to be extended to the power dam portion.
Meanwhile, assuaging the concern, the Chief Engineer of Hirakud dam said that there is no threat to the structure of Hirakud dam. The department undertakes inspection at frequent intervals. The dam maintenance is a regular process, which is being ensured. Cracks have been packed. However, special survey hasn’t been done after 1999.
Mahanadi basin will see a little chance of receiving heavy rainfall, said IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Sahoo. However, he has asked the flood victims to remain alert.
IMD DG further informed that heavy to heavy rainfall in the state is likely tomorrow. Odisha is currently witnessing a flood in Mahanadi river following heavy rainfall.
Earlier, the dam was releasing water through 40 sluice gates after the inflow of water increased. The dam authorities decided to close 12 sluice gates on Thursday. Earlier in the day, four more sluice gates of the reservoir were closed to regulate the release of floodwater.
Now, floodwater is being released from 20 sluice gates.
The Hirakud dam is releasing 3.50 lakh cusec water per second through 20 sluice gates today while the inflow was 3.37 lakh cusec water. The discharge at Mundali barrage was 9.48 lakh cusec while it was 6.30 lakh cusec water at Khairamala, 8.19 lakh cusec water at Baramula.
It is learnt that the water level of Hirakud reservoir was 621.81 feet at present.
In the past, Mahanadi floods had been much more severe. For example, in 2008, inflow at the head of the Delta was 15.81 lakh cusecs while in 1982, we had flood at the head of the Delta with discharge of 15.87 lakh cusecs. Management of the Hirakud Reservoir during the current flood appears to have been satisfactory.
What we need to take note of is that the mighty River downstream of Hirakud remains in a free flow condition even though a big river, Tel, with sufficient monsoon discharge, adds to the water flow of the Mahanadi. The only existing infrastructure for flood moderation of the Mahanadi is the Hirakud Reservoir. But this has a modest live storage capacity of only 3.9 million acre ft against the flood volume of 20 million acre ft of a typical flood in the Mahanadi. Therefore, the huge population in the delta of the river continues to be vulnerable to the ravages of flood even after 65 years of the creation of the Hirakud reservoir. Of course, Chhattisgarh state, upstream of Hirakud, has come up with irrigation works which also have some moderating impact on the flood water inflow to Hirakud Reservoir and, in times of severe flood, could moderate the distress downstream.
Inflow of the Mahanadi at the head of the delta at 8.70 lakh cusecs is considered as no distress flood as the river embankments downstream can carry this volume of water. In other words, we need to keep flood water inflow at Munduli at 8.70 lakh cusecs even after taking into account the inflow from River Tel. If such an arrangement could be made, flood in Mahanadi which has brought untold misery to the people of the Delta for hundreds of years, would be a thing of the past. But is such an arrangement possible?
In 1964, a project proposal was designed for flood control, irrigation and power generation with a Dam at Tikarpara. The Project envisaged full utilization of available water of the river. The proposed Reservoir would have led to submersion of 1200 villages, three towns and extensive forest resource. Even though foundation stone for the project was laid by then Prime Minister Nehru, the project had to be abandoned. Thereafter, another project was designed in 1985 to have a Dam at Manibhadra. This proposal had kept intact the flood control and irrigation component of the Tikarpara Project but was to have a power generation capacity of only 960 MW. There would have been submersion of 273 villages, two towns and much less forest area. Foundation stone for the Project had been laid by the then Chief Minister but the project could not take off due to resistance of the people.
A satisfactory engineering solution to the flood-problem in the delta had not been found till 1999. Could there be a design that would not lead to submergence of any town, not lead to submergence of any village permanently and would not lead to submergence of forests? Fortunately for us, such a blueprint has been prepared in shape of Subalaya Barrage that would provide irrigation to 1,14,000 ha; hydro electric power during monsoon for 210 MW and protective embankment for 73 villages. The total development cost was estimated at Rs 1720 crore only; but needs updating. The project would tackle the entire flood problem permanently. It is designed to reduce the maximum flood peak of 17.4 lakh cusecs on the basis of 100 years probability, to only 8.7 lakh cusecs at the head of the Mahanadi delta. This would be possible through dynamic storage from the conservation level of 54.9 meter to the maximum level of 77 meters and back again to the conservation level within a period of six days and six hours (in case of a 100 year probability based maximum flood). In this situation, 73 villages would remain below the flood level for a maximum period of a little over six days protected by high embankment. Cuttack city remains below the high flood level for considerably longer periods almost every year behind the protective earthen embankments.
Let us appreciate the gravity of the flood in the delta by looking at one part of the Mahanadi delta. This part is influenced by the Kuakhai River. This River divides into three Rivers, namely, Bhargavi, Daya and Kushabhadra. These three Rivers influence a very large area. The maximum combined carrying capacity of the three Rivers is only one lakh cusecs. When there is a normal flood peak of 9.60 lakh cusecs in the undivided Mahanadi at the head of the delta, the Kuakhai, takes a share of 1.30 lakh cusecs which is 30% in excess of the carrying capacity. This additional quantity spills through escape structures provided for the purpose. As a result, flood water flows into unprotected area resulting in water logging, crop damage and rendering large area unfit for cultivation. With Subalaya barrage in place, there would be a completely different situation. The three branches of the Kuakhai would get a maximum flood peak of much less than one lakh cusecs. Lateral spill of flood water would be a thing of the past. Further, passage of flood within the natural river channels for long periods of time would improve the hydraulic efficiency of the channels which would be helpful in removing the river mouth congestion.
Mahanadi delta is the largest River delta in peninsular India and is home to about a third of the state’s population. After every major flood, government spends huge sum of money on relief and rehabilitation. Should such ad hoc response be accepted as the most humane way of tackling the flood issue in the Mahanadi delta or should the government perform its obligatory responsibility of distress removal? It is a paradox that the state government keeps seeking huge centre assistance for relief and rehabilitation for Mahanadi flood but would not take up the Subalaya project which would bring permanent remedy.
(DISCLAIMER: This is an opinion piece. The views expressed are the author’s own and have nothing to do with OTV’s charter or views. OTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same. The author can be reached at lonewalker.1942@gmail.com)
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“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.
However, as the data and expert opinions continue to flow, the question and concern is getting shriller; was the flood completely unavoidable and nothing could have been done to protect the property of the common man?
To answer this question, we need to see the swelling of Mahanadi and the subsequent flood in an entirely different perspective. From politicians to common man, everybody in Odisha has been blaming the Chhattisgarh for constructing a number of barrages over Mahanadi leaving the state of Odisha dry in the summer. But when the rains came pouring down over Chhattisgarh, the state government opened the gates of its barrages filling the reservoir at Hirakud brimming with water. This is where the experts express their concern.
Some people also expressed their concern on the water-bearing capacity of the Hirakud reservoir. It is 64 years old and has to hold on to a water level of 627 feet. Though the reservoir is designed to hold water up to a level of 630 feet, as an ageing reservoir, holding so much water for a very long time can make difficult situations for the authorities. The situation now warrants the installation of a gauge station at the upper catchment area of Mahanadi to ascertain the flow of water and calculate the gate opening exercise subsequently.
Asked about the capacity of the Hirakud reservoir, the Engineer in Chief of the Water Resource Department, Bijay Mishra said, “We can use the full capacity of the Hirakud reservoir for flood management. We have even stored flood water up to 630 feet in the past.”
Even the desilting exercise would have helped the reservoir a lot. Speaking to OTV, Chief Engineer of the Water Resource Department, Jashobanta Parida said, “The reservoir also accumulating silt on both its sides. When a lot of water is stored at a particular space, it becomes vital to desilt the reservoir in regular intervals.” However, the EIC, Bijay Mishra refuted the statement and said, “We are already studying the silt deposit on the reservoir bed and we will take an appropriate decision soon. But the silting does not affect the reservoir at all.”
As per the Unit Head of Hirakud Dam, Anand Chandra Sahu, the ‘Rule Curve’ of the dam helps calculate how much water the reservoir can keep in a particular time of the year. However, given the geographical condition and change in rain pattern, it was suggested to review and change the rule curve every 10 years. But Hirakud dam witnessed an exception in here. The rule curve was never reviewed after 1988.
“We have already requested the State government to review the rule curve and I am hopeful that steps in this direction will be taken soon,” said Sahu.
Not only the rule curve, but the Odisha government has also miserably failed to construct barrages at the downstream of Mahanadi in the last 20 years which would have helped regulate the flood water in time of needs.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Odisha government had announced to construct seven barrages in the recent past, but not a single unit has been able to get operational till now.
Notably, Odisha has seen big floods in 1982, 2001, 2006, 2008, 2011 and 2020. But despite a comparatively low volume of water flowing in the Mahanadi system this time, the flood situation in the downstream areas has worsened.
As per latest decision, around 40 gates of Hirakud were opened to flush out excess floodwater. Initially,10 (5 each) additional gates of Hirakud dam were opened in the first phase in the afternoon and by evening today a total of 14 gates were opened.
With the reopening of 14 additional gates, floodwater is being released through 40 gates of Hirakud at present. Earlier, 26 gates of Hirakud dam were opened. While the current inflow into the dam is 6,91,950 cusecs, the outflow is 6,10,003 cusecs.
“For flood controlling moderation and keeping in view of the reservoir level, we have decided to open additional gates of Hirakud dam,” said Bijay Kumar Mishra, engineer-in-chief of the water resources department.
Mishra said that at present the level of Hirakud stands at 626.5 ft and there is no forecast of rainfall in the next couple of days.
As IMD has predicted rainfall in view of another low pressure system, we have decided to release excess water during this period which will act as a cushion, Mishra added. “Now the water level of Tel and other is reducing and the water from Hirakud will be accommodated easily during this phase," he informed.
Speaking to OTV, Das said, “Every time rain batters Chhattisgarh, pressure mounts on Hirakud dam prompting it to open sluice gates to release excess water and this results in flood-like situation in the low-lying areas.”
“We asked Chhattisgarh to open five gates to release the water but their authorities did not listen to us. Now, it is asking us to open sluice gates of the Hirakud dam. There is no coordination between Odisha and Chhattisgarh governments in managing Mahanadi water. The two States can hold a discussion to find out a permanent solution to the problem,” he added.
Meanwhile, Hirakud chief engineer Anand Chandra Sahu has demanded corrections in the rule curve of the reservoir.
“It is required to change the rule curve as it was last corrected in 1988 and now the situation has changed. I have suggested the Odisha government to make necessary changes in it but for that we need expert team comprising members from across the globe with precise knowledge in climatic change,” Sahu added.
From Cuttack to Bargarh, the deluge has not only hit movement of people, but also necessitated evacuation. The situation has also unleashed floodgates of worries for farming folks.
Floodwater has entered into low lying areas of Cuttack district especially those situated near the banks of Mahandi like Baramba. Thousands of farmlands in the region have been inundated. Floodwater has also started submerging the famous Bhattarika temple.
Bargarh district has also witnessed flood situation due to backwaters from the Hirakud dam. Floodwaters have entered into Chikhili, Antaradi, Ghughurapalli, Barangkota and Beniapalli villages in Ambabhona block. People have been shifted from several low lying areas with their domesticated animals to safer locations in view of worsening of situation.
In Sonepur district, the bridge connecting the town with Sambalpur at Malatijor has submerged in floodwater bringing the movement of people to a grinding halt. Water level is flowing 4 feet above the Birmaharajpur and Amrapalli road.
Boudh too has been let off from the flood havoc. As many as 55 villages in the Harbhanga tehsil in the district has been marooned from the rest of the world due to floodwaters. Rainwater has inundated Sadalganda-Bhejigora bridge.
As per Mishra, around 6 lakh cusecs of flood water is expected to pass through Mundali at around 8 am tomorrow. “At present, excess water is being released through 24 gates of Hirakud dam. We are expecting 6 lakh cusecs of water to pass through Mundali barrage tomorrow. The Baitaraini has breached the danger mark of 17.83mts at Akhuapada at 11 am today. Though the water level of major rivers is rising, it is below the danger mark as of today,” said Mishra.
In view of average 25 mm of rainfall in upper catchment areas of Mahanadi and 45 mm in downstream, more gates of Hirakud dam could be opened to release excess water. More water is entering Hirakud dam due to heavy rainfall in Chhattisgarh.
The Chhattisgarh water resource department officials are pressurising the Hirakud dam authorities to open more gates of the dam. “We have already told Chhattisgarh counterpart that the gates of Hirakud dam will be opened only after reviewing the situation,” said Mishra.
The holidays of officials and other staff have been cancelled and they have been asked to monitor and supervise the situation at various points and river embankments in the coastal belt of the state.
“As of today, there is no flood situation. But a minor flood is likely in Mahanadi system if rainfall continues in Chhattisgarh. Only after reviewing the inflow from Chhattisgarh and capacity of the reservoir, we can say on the further situation,” said Mishra.
At present, the reservoir is discharging excess flood water through 28 sluice gates following incessant rain.
Hirakud dam Chief Engineer Ananda Sahoo alleged that the neighbouring state is not sharing important information which is affecting the flood management in Odisha.
“In 2021, Chhattisgarh did not respond to our repeated letters and calls. This year too, Engineer-in-charge (water resources) and I have tried many times. Besides, the chief engineer (dam safety) also tried to hold discussions with Chhattisgarh. However, Chhattisgarh avoided all these efforts.”
“Yesterday, the Central Water Commission (CWC) director held talks with Chhattisgarh and we later suggested to fix any suitable date. Now, the meeting has tentatively been fixed on August 23. We are always ready for the meeting, but it depends on Chhattisgarh,” Sahoo added.
Sahoo said the last coordination meeting between the two states was held in 2019.
“In 2020, Chhattisgarh withdrew from a video conference midway citing a technical snag. This year too, the neighbouring state avoiding despite our repeated attempts,” he added.
The dam authorities recently decided to release the excess floodwater following steady rise in the water level of the reservoir in the wake of incessant rainfall in the catchment area of the dam.
Currently, the water level of the reservoir stands at 613.08 feet while the dam's maximum storage capacity is 630 feet. The inflow and outflow at the reservoir stand at 1,35,141 cusecs and 39,348 cusecs respectively.
Taking these aspects into consideration, the dam authorities decided to release flood water.
Since there is high possibility of sudden increase in the water level of Mahanadi and its other distributaries after the floodwater discharge, the dam authorities have sounded alert for the people living in low-lying areas.
When asked about the evacuation process to be taken for the safety of people living in low lying areas, Sambalpur district Collector Ananya Das said, “The present situation is not so serious and doesn’t need evacuation. The exercise is only to maintain the water level. However, the nearby areas have been identified and put on alert.”
Informing about the floodwater release, Chief Engineer of Hirakud Dam Anand Chandra Sahu said, “The inflow of above 2 lakh cusecs at the upper end of the dam is gradually decreasing and at present the same at the reservoir stands at 1,07,000 cusecs. In order to adjust the inflow, we decided to open five gates.”
Notably, the State has been experiencing heavy downpour for the last couple of days under the impact of back-to-back low pressures.
As per official sources, the excess water from the Hirakud dam will be released through five sluice gates.
The gates of the Hirakud dam will be opened at 11 am on Monday, dam’s chief engineer said on Saturday.
The dam authorities said that as there waterlevel of Mahanadi and its tributaries is expected to rise following the release of water from Hirakud, there is a need to create awareness among people so that they do not venture these parts as a precautionary measure.
The decision to open the sluice gates of Hirakud dam has been taken following incessant rainfall in the upper catchment areas.
it is pertinent to mention here that several parts of Odisha are experiencing heavy rainfall activities under the influence of a low pressure system for the past of days. The normal life in several parts including the Twin Cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar has been adversly hit following intense spell of heavy rainfall.
Apart from the Twin City, flood-like situation has also cropped up in Motu area in Malkangiri district.
Besides, the Narendra Modi government has approved the 'strengthening of Patnagarh–Padampur Road from 21/160 km to 38/625 km, Gadkari informed through a letter in response to request from Bargarh MP Suresh Pujari.
The Union government has also given green signal to widening and strengthening of Bargarh–Bhatli–Ambabhona Road from 0/00 km to 20/100 km.
The cost of all the three projects will be met from the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF). A total allocation of Rs 368.5 crore has been earmarked for the three projects.
The high-level bridge over the Hirakud Dam will connect Dangaghat under Bhikampalli area of Jharsuguda’s Lakhanpur block and Jarimuli ghat under Ambabhona in Bargarh district, he said.
The bathymetric survey, also known as hydrographic survey, is the study of beds and depth of a water body like, ocean, lake, river, stream etc. Since the deposit of sediment reduces the water holding capacity of a water body, measurement of sedimentation and steps for its removal are required.
Informing about the ongoing survey, Chief Engineer of Hirakud Dam, Ananda Chandra Sahu, said the survey work has started following the direction of the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal. “There is a direction from the Tribunal to carry out a survey in 50 kms downstream and 100 kms upstream of the dam. To execute the order, we had floated a tender and subsequently a Mumbai-based private engineering firm has been roped in to conduct the survey,” said Sahu.
Informing about the progress, Sahu said that the survey in the downstream has been completed. “In the reservoir, we have so far covered around 16 km and 77km more is to be covered.”
The engineers are going into the reservoir in boats, and on the basis of waves and using certain machines, Global Positioning System (GPS), drones and echo sounders they are measuring the depth of the water. The survey is being carried out at an estimated cost of Rs 42.05lakh.
The head counting of the avian species began at 5 AM and will continue till 5 PM today, informed a forest official.
As per reports, as many as 38 teams comprising forest staff from Sambalpur, Baragarh and Jharsuguda divisions have been engaged in the enumeration of both the domestic and migratory birds at the Hirakud reservoir area and in the power channel.
The census is underway in the Hirakud reservoir which covers an area of around 533 Sq. Kilometers and the power channel of area about 5.7 Sq. Kilometers. The reservoir has been divided into 18 sectors and the power channel has been divided into 3 sectors. 30 boats have been deployed for the movement of the census teams in aquatic areas to carry out the survey work, said reports.
This year's bird census will also include the area of Sukhasoda (38 square kilometres) on the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border for the first time.
The report of the annual migratory bird census in the Dam will be revealed on January 9.
Notably, a total number of 1, 24, 864 birds of 98 species visited the Hirakud Dam Reservoir last year, of which 1,03,117 birds of 41 species were migratory birds.
While a survey for the pilot project has already been conducted, construction work is expected to start soon. In the first phase, the plant will produce 40 MW power.
The project is not only seen as a step towards production of green energy, it will also meet the power requirements of the State to some extent.
The solar panels, which have a life-span of 25 years, will be installed in such a manner that they won't need any shifting in case the water level in the dam increases or decrease.
This project work will be executed by the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), a CPSU under the administrative control of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
The Grid Corporation of Odisha (GRIDCO) will purchase the power generated from the project, sub-station of which will be set up at Kantapali in Bargarh district.
As per reports, survey of 10 square kilometer of the dam has already been completed, of which the project will come up in 1 square kilometer.
Around Rs 200 crore will be invested in the project, which has already got the nod of the Odisha Water Resources and the Energy departments.
“Given the vast water mass Hirakud dam has, we can get renewable solar energy by installing solar panels,” said Anand Chandra Sahu, chief engineer of Hirakud Dam.
It is pertinent to mention here that there were three main reasons behind the construction of Hirakud Dam – mitigation of flood, irrigation and power generation.
While the dam has 275 MW power generation capacity, only 70 MW power is being produced for various reasons.
“Evaporation loss is more than the industrial use of water from the dam. If the solar panels are installed, the evaporation loss can be minimised,” said Sahu.
According to sources, residents of about 360 villages from Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Bargarh and Sundergarh districts had lost their land to the dam constructed across Mahanadi River in 1957.
Rukmani Bhuyan, who now lives in Sonutikra village of Sambalpur district, recounts how her family was ousted from Tihuda village along with many others to facilitate the construction of the dam with assurance of immediate compensation and rehabilitation by the government.
“We lost our land and home and moved to this village. The government officials had assured that we would get land, but we are yet to get the compensation, “Rukmani rued.
Srikant Bhoi, whose family was also displaced by the dam, said the project has destroyed their livelihood. He said his father and grandfather were farmers before they lost their land to the Hirakud dam. After being displaced by the project, the family has been eking out a living by fishing in the dam for the past three decades.
He lamented that his family has not received any compensation or homestead land from the government yet.
Gokulananda Behera, a resident of Jamadarpalli village, said, “Many families have not been fully compensated yet after being displaced by the dam project. Even many people who got land from the government are unable to take possession of the same due to several issues.”
Gopinath Majhi, convenor of Hirakud Budi Anchal Sangram Samiti termed the announcement of homestead land as a delayed move by the government and said many affected families are still left out. He demanded that homestead land be given to over 20,000 families.
“About 2000 applicants have been identified for the homestead land, but many more are still left out. If they are not compensated now, we doubt that they will have to wait for many more years,” Majhi said.
Billed as the world's longest, Hirakud Dam in its last over sixty years of existence has served its true purpose and will definitely remain steadfast for many more decades.
For that to happen, Odisha needs to treat this 'temple of modern India' in the true sense as was once adulated by the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
From some perspectives, however, it seems that government's lack of conviction, short-sightedness and inadequate urgency for the dam has often come out to fore.
For example, consider the spillway project of the dam, the construction of which has been hanging fire for several years now despite cautionary note from expert body suggesting its realisation as of utmost importance.
Hirakud Dam is built across river Mahanadi and has a total of 98 gates - 64 sluice and 34 crest gates to discharge floodwater from the dam.
A few years ago, the Central Water Commission had expressed apprehension that in the event of a cloudburst on the upstream regions of the dam, it may result in a massive flash flood.
While right now, the total release capacity of the dam is 15 lakh cusec of water, so in case of such a large flash flood, the dam may have to withstand an enormous 24.76 lakh cusec of water in any way which will not only wreak havoc in the river channel downstream but also pose serious threat to the embankment of the dam.
In the light of such ominous predictions, the CWC had recommended to enhance the discharge capacity of the reservoir by 1.5 times to ensure its upkeep in view of climate and meteorological changes.
The CWC suggested for bolstering the safety of the dam by building two spillways on either side of the reservoir.
Two years ago, the TATA Projects and the Turkey based AGE Group were entrusted for construction of the additional spillway project pegged at around Rs 370 crore.
The excavation work was also carried out for the spillway promising a big relief for the dam and during the course of one year, the project moved forward with ease.
However, in February 2020, TATA and its partner AGE group backed out from the project after frequent issues over land acquisition, encroachment eviction, protests against displacement.
The project has been in limbo since then. All the machineries and other equipment engaged in the project construction is still biting dust at the site.
Even though two monsoons have passed since the development, fingers have been pointed at Odisha government's apathetic attitude towards the project.
Meanwhile, quizzed for any latest development in this matter, the dam authorities have said process has been initiated bring the project to fruition.
The Chief Engineer of the dam Anand Chandra Sahu has said that very soon a fresh global tender will be floated for the spillway project.
We have submitted a proposal to the State government and after approval in a week's time, we will float the tender for the spillway project, said Sahu.
But it remains to be seen that while the estimated time frame for the project completion still remains 30 months, the cost of the project has risen by over 68 per cent to over 624 crore.
The bid document for floating the fresh tender with revised estimate for the World Bank funded additional spillway project has already got the administrative approval.
The documents have been sent to the government and a fresh tender for the construction of the additional spillway will be floated after getting the nod from the government, he said.
Currently, there are 98 gates, including 64 sluice and 34 crest gates, to release the flood water from Hirakud dam. Around 15 lakh cusec water is released through the 98 gates at a time now.
With the construction of the additional spillway the water discharge capacity of the Hirakud Dam will increase to 18 lakh cusec, the official said.
The length of the proposed additional spillway dam will be 91 m and there will be five sluice gates, the officials said.
The estimate of the project was revised for floating fresh tender. The revised estimate of the project is Rs 634.21 crore and the work has also been divided into four parts now, he said.
The Central Water Commission has already recommended enhancing the flood water discharge capacity of the dam. The additional spillway for the Hirakud Dam was proposed thereafter.
The meteorological and climate changes and probable maximum flood were considered while taking the decision to enhance the flood water discharge capacity.
Tata Projects and AGE Group of Turkey had earlier been entrusted to carry out the construction work of the additional spillway. They had began working on the project, which was estimated at Rs 369.53 crore in January 2019.
The two companies, however, wrote to the state government in February 2020 and backed out from the project saying the reason for it was the delay by the government in handing over the site for construction work.
With opening of six more gates, water will now be discharged from the reservoir through 12 gates.
At present, the water level of Hirakud stands at 628.10 ft against its storage capacity of 630 ft.
Earlier a day before, the authorities had decided to open six sluice gates to release excess floodwater from the reservoir. At that time, the water level of Hirakud stood at 626.27 ft.
However, the authorities of the dam had assured that the situation is not alarming and it will not create any flood situation in the Mahanadi downstream areas.
“We have set a target to release only around 1 lakh cusec of water. The reservoir had a cushion of around three ft. We are hopeful that much of the excess rainwater will be absorbed. We will release only half of the flood water entering the reservoir. So, there will be hardly any probability of flood-like situation in the downstream areas,” the Chief Engineer of the dam Ananda Chandra Sahu had said.
(Edited by Rashmi Ranjan Mohanty)
At present, the water level of Hirakud stands at 626.27 ft against its storage capacity of 630 ft. While the upstream areas of the dam have witnessed 46.46 mm rain the downstream areas have experienced 122.94 mm rain in the last two days. Around 1.92 lakh cusecs of water is entering the dam per second.
“Considering the situation at the upper and lower catchment areas, so far we have taken a decision to open six sluice gates. The gates will be opened in different phases starting from 5 am today to release excess floodwater from the reservoir,” said Ananda Chandra Sahu, the Chief Engineer of the dam.
However, the authorities of the dam assured that the situation is not alarming and it will not create any flood situation in the Mahanadi downstream areas.
“We have set a target to release only around 1 lakh cusec of water. The reservoir had a cushion of around three ft. We are hopeful that much of the excess rainwater will be absorbed. We will release only half of the flood water entering the reservoir. So, there will be hardly any probability of flood-like situation in the downstream areas,” said Sahu.
The depression over the Bay of Bengal may trigger some more rain today and tomorrow. But according to the prediction by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) the upper catchment areas will experience less amount of rain. So, there is no need to press the panic button, said Sahu.
“We will take stock of the situation and calculate the expected water level in the reservoir tomorrow and decision regarding opening of more sluice gates will be taken accordingly,” said Sahu.
(Edited by Rashmi Ranjan Mohanty)
As of August 26, the State has recorded just 598.6 mm of average rainfall in the season running up from June 1 which counts up to a whopping 31% deficit in precipitation. It becomes even more precarious as weather models suggest that the remaining days of August also do not bode well for the rainfall forecast of the State so more dry days ahead.
The drastic shortage of rainfall has not only hit farming activities in non-irrigated lands but also regions with ample irrigation facilities. It is because of plummeting water level in major irrigation-feeding reservoirs and barrages in the State like Hirakud, Rengali, Kolab, Balimela, Indravati.
Take a look at the Jalaput dam of the Machhakund hydroelectricity project in Koraput. Locals of the region exclaim that they have never witnessed such a water crisis in the last seven decades. As per data available from the dam authorities, the water level in the reservoir has dipped by a shocking 23 feet this year.
Jogeswar Khembundu, a farmer of Koraput expressed his anxiety over the possible drought in the region. "Not only farmers but the common man at large is worried if such a situation arises. We don't know what to do," he said.
Similarly, the water level in Kolab dam has also reduced to 847 metre from 858 metre. Dam Executive Engineer Shakti Samanta Bhuyan said the situation might turn critical if the rainfall deficit does not overturn with some good spells of precipitation in the coming days.
Surprisingly, the largest of them all, the Hirakud Dam has also not been spared by the anger of the rain gods this season. According to the authorities of the dam, the water level in the world's longest reservoir has continuously declined by 3 to 4 feet in the last 10 days between August 14 and 24.
Looking at another example of the dam in Bhanjanagar area of Ganjam district, it becomes clear that drought bells have started to ring in the State. Residents of the region are now worried because of the discernible effects of a virtually 'rainless-monsoon'.
The temple of Biswanath Mahadev, which submerged in the reservoir ever since the dam was built during the British era to ward off the water crisis, can now be easily seen in the middle of the barrage due to the visibility of the pinnacle of the inundated shrine above the water level.
The rare spectacle has caused widespread concerns among the people of the area who now fear that drought is imminent.
Gopal Chandra Sethi, Executive Engineer, Irrigation department, Bhanjanagar also accepted the water crisis situation in the region. "This season, we have received less rainfall due to which water shortage situation has erupted in the barrage. We will wait and watch for some more days because Monsoon is still active," said Sethi.
As per the analysis of the State government, Odisha has received around 50% less rainfall than the normal in the month of August alone, the period of the peak monsoon season which generally exhibits the maximum amount of precipitation.
By now, acres of farmland have been inundated and road communication snapped in many parts in both the districts. While road communication from Sonepur to Biramaharajpur via Bijepur has been disrupted due to floodwater flowing above Bijepur bridge, Sonepur-Rairakhol road is also submerged at Pitamahula due to excess flow of water in Bauri Jora. Similarly, vehicular traffic between Biramaharajpur-Rairakhol, Biramaharajpur-Athmallik and Biramaharajpur-Boudh has been snapped.
Meanwhile, the Boudh district administration is on high alert in view of water flowing close to danger mark in Mahanadi. The river is flowing at 105.43 metres against danger mark of 109 metres at Khairamal. Besides, water is flowing five feet above Jagannath Sadak near Dhalapur.
Khambashiripali, Nuapli, Deuli, Nuagada, Phulachara, Keutipali, Kelagaon and Kunjamahula villages in Boudh district are likely to be affected in case more water is released.
On the other hand, flood water being released from Hirakud Dam will take 36 hours to cross the Naraj barrage at Munduli. Around 7.5 lakh cusec water is expected to cross the barrage, said sources though SRC maintains that 8.5 lakh cusec water could flow.
Also Read: Two gates of Balimela reservoir to be opened today
Authorities of Balimela reservoir in Malkangiri have also opened two gates out of 10 gates as water level has increased in the dam following incessant rain in the upper catchment areas. The Malkangiri district administration has alerted residents of Doraguda, Gunthawada and Nuaguda panchayats to move to safer destinations in case too much water flows into the area.
Speaking on preparedness for possible flood, Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupada Sethi says, “The district administration has been alerted and NDRF and ODRAF units have been prepositioned in Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, Jajpur and Puri districts as per their requisition. Keeping in view of the situation, people in low lying areas have also been alerted. Shelters have been kept ready to accommodate people in case of emergency.”
While the water level inside the dam should remain at 630 feet till October 31, it has now dipped to 627 feet.
According to sources, Chhattisgarh has closed 64 gates out of 66 and if the rest of them will be shut in the upcoming summer season, then it is feared that water supply to Odisha will completely stop.
Currently, 3500 cubic metres of water is reaching the lower catchment areas of Hirakud dam through two gates of the Kalma Barrage following which rule curve has been affected.
Expressing displeasure over declining water level, Chief engineer of Hirakud dam, Jyotirmaya Rath said “We will be severely affected if they shut down all the gates of Kalma barrage.”
As the water level has dipped in the upper catchment areas, power generation and irrigation could be severely affected.
Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh has refuted the charges and instead blamed rainfall deficit for a dip in the water level of Hirakud dam.
“Chhattisgarh is not stopping any water. Kalma’s capacity is so low that opening or closing of the gates doesn’t affect anything,” Chhattisgarh Water Resources Minister, Brij Mohan Agarwal said.
“If both the states don’t come to an agreement over the issue, a big problem will arise in the future,” farmer leader Saroj said.
Meanwhile, the tribunal constituted to resolve the Mahanadi water-sharing dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh commenced its hearing on October 13. The opponents can file responses to the application by December 1 and in case of a rejoinder, applications can be filed before December 14, 2018.
The next hearing of the case is scheduled to take place on December 15.
According to sources, the additional spillway proposed to enhance the flood water discharge capacity of the Hirakud Dam will be funded by the World Bank and expected to be completed within 30 months with an estimated cost of Rs 370 crore.
Reportedly, the length of the proposed spillway would be around 85 metre with five crest gates enabling discharge of 3.22 lakh cusec of water.
“The project work will be undertaken under the supervision of internationally acclaimed experts as the project is being funded by the World Bank. The design has been prepared by the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the works will be monitored by us at different levels,” Chief Engineer of Hirakud Dam, Jyotirmaya Rath said.
“The project will be a joint venture of TATA Projects limited and a Turkish company ‘Ages'. Five spillway gates and a 2 km long channel will be constructed which will discharge the additional flow into the Mahanadi River,” Sunil Gupta, Project manager of TATA projects limited said.
However, the locals who were earlier protesting the project have given their consent after the administration assured them of rehabilitation. A colony for the displaced people is being constructed at Mohammadpur near the dam with the provision of adequate financial assistance for the locals.
“Two patches of land have been identified for the displaced locals and levelling and other processes are being carried out. There are minor problems in the villages nearby the rehabilitation colony which will be sorted out and the construction works will begin soon,” Sambalpur collector Samarth Verma said.
According to reports, Hirakud Dam has presently 64 sluice gates and 34 crest gates for releasing flood waters.
Earlier on Wednesday evening, three sluice gates of the reservoir were closed. Currently, rainwater is being discharged through 10 sluice gates of the dam.
The water level in the reservoir stood at 611.69 feet against the storage capacity of 630 feet. The inflow of water into the reservoir was 82,836 cusecs while the outflow was 1,95,180 cusecs at 3 PM today, informed the authorities of Hirakud dam.
On the other hand, the water released from the Hirakud dam reached Mundali in Cuttack in the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday.
In the meantime, the administration has alerted the people in the low lying areas of the district as a precautionary measure. However the Cuttack district Collector has dismissed flood threat due to the release of water from Hirakud.
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The ODRAF team has also been advised to remain alert to tackle any flood-like situation in the district.
Later seven more gates were opened in phased manner. There are plans to open 15 more gates later in the day, informed Hirakud Chief Engineer Jyotirmaya Rath.
Sources said, around 15,000 cubic feet of water per second is being released from each sluice gates now.
With the opening of the gates, more than 2 lakh cusecs of water per second will flow out of the reservoir into the Mahandi River. The water will reach Mundali within 36 to 40 hours.
“We will open 15 gates in phased manner. The inflow of water into the reservoir is 1, 35, 000 cusecs per second. As there is not much water between Hirakud to Khairamal and Mundali, so the discharge of water from the dam will not affect much,” said Rath.
However district collectors of 12 districts have been alerted about the development through letters, added the Hirakud Chief Engineer.
A numbers of visitors arrived to see the spectacular view of release of water from the dam. However, entry to the area will be prohibited from tomorrow.
Also Read: Row surfaces over flood water management in Odisha
Meanwhile, the dam authorities have asked villagers in low lying areas of the Hirakud dam to remain alert. The locals have also been advised not to venture into Mahandi River during these hours.
Hirakud Chief Engineer Jyotirmaya Rath informed, “The first flood water will be released between 10 am and 11 am tomorrow. However, considering the quantity of inflow of water to the reservoir, the decision regarding the number of sluice gates to be opened for the discharge of excess water will be taken tomorrow.”
Rath further stated that 2,05,352 cusecs of water is entering the dam per second now. While the dam has a capacity of 630 feet, water level reached 615.43 ft by 9 am today, Rath added.
Meanwhile, the dam authorities have alerted the villagers in low lying areas of the Hirakud dam. The Collectors and Police Superintendents of Boudh and Subarnapur have also been advised to remain alert as the discharge of water from the Hirakud dam may trigger flood-like situation in the districts.
The authorities of Sambalpur have warned people to not venture into Mahandi River during these hours.
On the other hand, the Special Relief Commissioner has asked the Collectors of six districts- Jajpur, Cuttack, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara and Khurda to remain alert to tackle any flood-like situation that might arise due to the incessant rain.
As per reports, a bridge was washed away in Chandigada village under Boudh block after sudden inflow of flood water; as such the village has been cut-off from rest parts of the State.
As water is flowing five feet above a diversion road near Ranipathar on Boudh-Kandhamal road, vehicular movement on the route has been affected while hundreds of commuters are stranded on both sides of the road.
Similarly, incessant rain has submerged nearby villages as flood water has gushed into Laksmi nullah. "Due to the flood, our house has been damaged. We are living in a pitiable condition," said Sumitra, a Boudh resident.
Echoing similar views, another resident of Boudh, Sabita said, "With knee-deep water in our house since past five days, the situation is grim. The government is yet to distribute relief in our village."
In Boudh, 380 mm of rainfall has been recorded in past 24 hours.
Meanwhile, water level is rising in Hirakud dam as large amount of flood water has entered the reservoir following rain in upper catchment areas.
As per reports, 1.77 lakh cusecs water per second is entering the Hirakud dam at present. While the dam has a capacity of 630 feet, the water level was at 615.43 feet by 8 am today.
Karun Nayak, a local from Tikarpada in Angul said, “We are very scared. Our houses have been destroyed and we do not know what will happen after the sluice gates are opened.”
Sources said water level in Mahanadi River is expected to rise further as flood water from the dam will be released tomorrow.
Meanwhile the state government has asked villages in low lying areas to stay alert. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik during a review meeting today, directed government functionaries and district administration to be prepared for a possible flood situation.
As per reports, Odisha has experienced continuous reduction in water inflow- 18 per cent in October 2017, 43 per cent in November, 39 per cent in December and 41 per cent and 40 per cent in January and February, respectively this year.
"If we take into account the flow of water from October 2017 to February 2018 and compare it to the flow during the same period in the last 10 years, Mahanadi has witnessed a reduction of almost 47 per cent. If this continues, we will have to face serious problems around May and June," said Gopal Prasad Ray, chief engineer of Water Resource Department (Planning), Odisha.
The Chhattisgarh government has already been informed about the continuous reduction in water flow, informed Ray, adding that the present water level of Hirakud is 616 ft and if it goes below 610 ft, it will have adverse effect on power generation and irrigation in the State.
Jyotirmaya Ratha, chief engineer of Upper Mahanadi Basin, said that the construction of barrages by Chhattisgarh has severely affected the flow of water.
Odisha has been alleging that the Kalma barrage gates are operated in an improper manner by Chhattisgarh with an intention to arbitrarily restrict the water flow to Hirakud reservoir.
Earlier this year, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had said that he would take up the matter with the Central Water Commission and ensure free flow of water in downstream of Mahanadi River. However, the ruling-BJD government in Odisha alleged that the saffron party has politicized the issue to settle scores.
Though only four out of the seven units of the project are functional, their generation capacity is at least 149 Mega Watt (MW) electricity on a daily basis. Surprisingly, only 40 MW power is being generated, which has stoked suspicion that the water is being deliberately reserved for industrial use.
Water rights activist Ranjan Panda alleged government conspiracy behind the matter as adequate amount of water is present in the dam for power generation.
"The water is being reserved for industries. The government, to provide water to the industries, is deliberately cutting supply of water to hydropower project," said Panda.
Farmer leader Ashok Pradhan echoed similar views.
"The government has been allocating water to industries and continues to do so clandestinely. The motive of the government should be exposed," said Pradhan.
"The daily power generation amount is decided by the State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC). Therefore, even if sufficient water is available in the reservoir, the power will be generated as per the instructions of the SLDC," said General Manager (Electrical) of Odisha Hydro Power Corporation Ltd, Gyana Ranjan Das.
"We are capable of generating the required amount of electricity but it is done as per SLDC instructions," Das added.
The district administration has issued warning for not venturing into river water.
On the other hand due to incessant rains in upstream of several rivers in north Odisha, water level is on a continuous rise.
In Balasore, Subarnarekha was swelling on Monday evening, with highest at Jaleswar, while water level was stable in Budhabalang and Jalaka Rivers.
Continuous rise in water level in Subarnarekha has led to possibility of flood in areas of Basta, Baliapal, Bhogarai and Jaleswar.
In Keonjhar, water at Baitarani River crossed its danger mark of 38.36 m and was flowing at 39.12 m today morning. As many as 10 villages of Ayatpur, Sankarpur gram panchayats have been marooned.
The swelling of rivers has created panic among locals especially in low lying areas of river basins with administration pulling up its socks to meet any eventuality. ODRAF, Fire department and district administration are keeping close watch on the situation.
Cuttack district administration has taken elaborate precautionary measures. The control rooms at Mundali, Naraj and Jobra barrages have been asked to keep a close watch on the floodwaters and provide information round the clock.
Meanwhile, Hirakud Dam authorities have opened up 10 sluice gates to release excess flood water from Mahanadi.
Speaking to mediapersons, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Bishnupada Sethi said, “Flood water in Baitarani continues to flow above danger mark at Anandpur and Akhuapada. While the water level near Anandpur is receding, it is on an upward trend at Akhuapada,”
“As many as 14 different GPs under Dhamnagar block in Bhadrak are possibly looming over flood threat. So, one ODRAF team has been sent to meet any eventuality while the District Collector has also camped there and keeping a close watch on the situation. In Balasore, there is also possibility of flood since water level in Budhabalang and Jalaka Rivers are flowing above the danger mark,” Sethi added.
The surplus water is currently being released through eight gates. Two gates were opened in the morning today and three more an hour after, Chief Engineer of Hirakud Dam Hara Mohan Pradhan said.
After a ceremonial puja, the dam authorities opened two gates initially on Sunday and one more in the evening on the same day to release season's first flood water from the reservoir.
Depending on the quantity of rainfall in upper catchment of the river, more gates may be opened in future to maintain water level in the dam, he added.
He said the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is being followed while opening the gates and all the districts in lower catchment area of the river have been appraised about it
The water level in the reservoir is being constantly monitored, he added.
The water level of Hirakud stood at 608.37 ft on Monday as against the full reservoir level of 630 ft. While inflow of water into the reservoir was 16,1757 cusecs, outflow was 114123 cusecs.,
Without informing how many sluice gates of the dam will be opened, Pradhan said, “The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be followed before opening the dam gates and Collectors of districts in lower catchment area have already been informed.”
He added, “Depending on the quantity of rain in upper and lower catchment areas of Mahanadi, decision will be taken every day on how much water has to be released.”
The dam’s water level was 606.31 ft till 3pm today. As many as 1,04,439 cusec water is entering the Hirakud Dam whereas 26,184 cusec water is being released at present.
Sources said a decision has been taken to release the excess water as flood water in large quantity is entering the dam from Chhattisgarh side.
Samarth Verma, Sambalpur collector, said publicity has been done widely at low lying areas in Sambalpur, Burla and Hirakud.
Besides, advisory has been issued asking people not to venture into Mahanadi tomorrow, he added.
The deceased were identified as Sushant Mishra and brothers Hitesh and Asit, sons of Kishore Hota. The incident occurred near Jhankaani temple on the lower catchment of the Hirakud dam, where Kishore, a teacher by profession, and his colleague Sushant had gone to take bath.
Kishore’s two sons, who had also gone there to take bath, slipped and were swept away by the water current. Kishore’s friend Sushant also drowned while trying to rescue the two.
The Chief Engineer report further stated 0.123 million acre feet water of Mahanadi river entered the dam in December last year due to the barrages built in the upper catchment areas in Chhattisgarh.
Commenting on the development, BJD spokesperson Shashi Bhusan Behera said, “During non-monsoon period, water flow in the river will be affected fully once construction of the barrages gets over in the neighbouring state.”
“The State government had raised the barrage issue before the Centre and the Parliament as well. As no considerable efforts made by the Centre to resolve the matter, legal help is being considered by the State government,” Behera added.
Also read: Water bearing capacity of Hirakud dam has decreased: CM
Refuting the charges against the BJP government at Centre, the party spokesperson Golak Mohapatra said, “In March last year, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had said in the Assembly that the State is receiving 25% more water in Mahanadi river. However, the chief minister is presenting different data. How come the inflow of water in the river came down in these few months? We believe the Odisha government is playing dirty politics only while utilising the sentiments of the people of the State.”
Assuring full support of the BJP-led Central government towards Odisha regarding the issue, Mohapatra added, “The Centre has already clarified any water shortage issue will not be allowed in Odisha. If need arises the Centre will set up gauge stations. But, firstly the State should cooperate and provide correct data.”
“The water bearing capacity of Hirakud dam, which was 5834 million cubic feet after its construction, has now come down to 4823 million cubic feet,” Patnaik said in a written reply to a question by BJD member Prafulla Samal.
Replying to another question by the BJD member on construction of barrages and dams in upper catchments of Mahanadi by the Chhattisgarh government, the chief minister said the neighbouring state till date has constructed eight large projects, 34 medium projects, 1902 small projects and 3820 barrages.
In a letter to The Chief Engineer and Basin Manager, Upper Mahanadi Basin, Burla on August 27 this year, additional secretary HK Padhi has asked him to contact the Superintendent of Police of Sambalpur and Bargarh and finalize the location at dam site for installation of CCTV and construction of watch tower and submit the estimates for execution of the work as suggested by the State Police and Director, Intelligence by tomorrow.
To know about the present security of the dam, the OTV team had a ground survey from Jamadarpalli to Hirakud dam along the dyke road. On the way, the team found dilapidated check posts with no security personnel at these places. The team also found no security measures in the vast reservoir area. The lone patrol boat was found lying defunct near the dyke for a long time.
The team found a PCR van patrolling in the nearby area of the dam. Though there is a provision to frisk the visitors in the main dam area, the team came to know that the security personnel are used to allow the visitors after collecting money from them.
Asked about the matter, Burla-Hirakud SDPO Abakash Routray said he has not received such allegations so far. “Since I am not always at the check gate, I will definitely take action if such allegations come to my notice”, he added.
Notably, a high level review meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Home secretary in Bhubaneswar on August 12 in which a proposal was given for installation of 33 CCTV cameras and setting up of four watch towers, five sentry posts and deployment of two companies of OISF personnel and two power boats in and around the dam site.
This was informed by Hirakud dam chief engineer Harmohan Pradhan today. He said the report received from the Central Soil and Material Research Station (CSMRS) on August 22 shows that cracks have developed at six places of the dam’s left spillway. The cracks would be fixed through the dripping method. However, the left spillway and the power dam are now safe, he added.
Pradhan further said the report on the condition of the right spillway of the dam is yet to be received.
The survey work was conducted through a remote operated vehicle (ROV) with a state-of-the-art underwater camera, which receives instructions from the control room, inside a vehicle placed on the top of the dam and changes its direction in the water and takes underwater photos of the upstream face of the dam, including the sluice barrel.
The survey team would submit its report to the state Water Resources department.
It took nearly 36 hours for the floodwaters to reach Naraj from Burla covering a distance of about 300 km, sources in the Water Resources department said.
Meanwhile, the Cuttack district administration has taken elaborate precautionary measures. The control rooms at Mundali, Naraj and Jobra barrages have been asked to keep a close watch on the floodwaters and provide information round the clock.
The Hirakud Dam authorities had released the first floodwater of Mahanadi through 10 sluice gates on August 5. But considering the inflow of excess floodwaters from the upper catchments, they had opened two more gates yesterday again opened and four more gates this morning.
The Cuttack district administration had earlier assured the people in the district not to panic as there would be no flood threat in the lower catchments of the river despite release of floodwaters from Hirakud dam.
In the first phase, the dam authority released the excess water through number 7 sluice gate.
According to sources, 10 sluice gates of the dam will be opened in phases between 10 am to 12.30 pm today to release excess water.
The dam authorities is following the standard operating procedure to release the flood water, the sources added.
The administrations in 12 districts - Sambalpur, Bargarh, Sonepur, Angul, Boudh, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Phulbani, Khurda, Jagatsinghpur and Puri - have been asked to stay alert.
Water Resources secretary PK Jena has assured the people living on the banks of the river there is no threat of flood due to the release of water from Hirakud today. He has, however, advised people to be on alert and not let their cattle get close to the river as the water level is set to rise.
Talking to OTV, Pradhan said, “As the upper catchment of river Mahandi in Chhattisgarh have received a good rain fall, the water level in the dam is increasing. It had reached 611.47 metres by 10 am yesterday. We will follow the stand operating procedure to release the flood water.”
“We have planned to release the flood water through seven gates between 10 am to 12.30 pm on August 5. We will take a final call on how many gates will be opened to release the water after reviewing the situation the same day,” Pradhan added.
“We have requested the district administration to make people residing in the low lying areas aware about the release of water,” the chief engineer said.
“Please attend the all-party meeting to be held at 11 AM on August 3, 2016 at Hotel Swosti Premium, Bhubaneswar to discuss about the Mahanadi water dispute,” Mishra said in his letter to the chief minister sent yesterday. He had written to the Chief Minister on the issue twice earlier - first on July 7 and then again on July 25.
In a separate letter addressed to leaders of political parties, concerned organisations and individuals written on Saturday, Mishra had requested them to participate in the August 3 all-party meeting to deliberate on the issue.
In his letter, the LoP had said there is a distinct possibility of a reduction in the flow of Mahanadi water to Hirakud dam and its lower catchment areas due to construction of barrages and dams in the upper catchment of the river, which will pose serious threat to the livelihood of the people of Odisha.
“Considering the gravity of the situation, I had written a letter to the chief minister on July 7 requesting him to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the matter. Leave alone giving a reply, the chief minister did not even acknowledge my letter. Later, I decided to convene an all-party meeting and had requested the chief minister in a letter on July 25 to find a convenient place and time for the meeting. But as I did not get any reply from him, I have decided to hold the all-party meeting at Hotel Swosti Premium in the state capital tomorrow after consulting like-minded friends from all political parties,” Mishra added.
He also requested eminent personalities, NGOs and civil society representatives to attend the meeting.
“I hope we will remain above our political ideologies, decide our future course of action and make concerted efforts to safeguard the interests of our state,” he had pointed out.