Odisha Opens Five Hirakud Gates, Begins Controlled Water Release from Reservoirs Ahead of Possible Cyclone

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has initiated advance reservoir management measures across the State ahead of a possible cyclone and anticipated heavy rainfall, with controlled water releases being undertaken to create additional storage capacity and minimise the risk of flooding.

The Department of Water Resources has started regulating water levels in several reservoirs to create adequate flood cushion for receiving additional inflows during the expected weather event.

At Hirakud Dam, five gates have been opened and controlled water discharge has commenced in view of rising inflows from the upstream catchment and the possibility of a further increase in water levels. The precautionary release is aimed at regulating the anticipated inflow into the Mahanadi system due to possible cyclone-induced rainfall and creating additional storage space.

Controlled Releases from Southern Odisha Reservoirs

Water discharge from Baghalati and Ghodahada reservoirs also commenced on Sunday evening. A release of 85 cumecs from Baghalati and 115 cumecs from Ghodahada is being maintained to bring down their storage levels to around 60 per cent.

The releases are being carried out in the presence of the Additional Chief Engineer, Rushikulya-Bahuda Basin, in accordance with prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and precautionary measures. The Collector and District Magistrate of Srikakulam has also been informed about the releases.

Discharge Schedule for Badanala and Harabhangi

The department has drawn up a phased release plan for Badanala and Harabhangi reservoirs to create additional capacity ahead of the expected rainfall.

Badanala Reservoir is currently at 78.46 per cent storage, with a spillway discharge of 102.13 cumecs. The discharge is scheduled to be increased to 175 cumecs and maintained until the afternoon of November 2, with the objective of bringing the reservoir storage level down to around 60 per cent.

Harabhangi Reservoir is presently at 85.55 per cent storage, with a spillway discharge of 257 cumecs. The existing discharge will continue until the morning of November 2, after which it is planned to be increased to 360 cumecs and maintained until the evening. The aim is to reduce the reservoir storage level to approximately 60 per cent.

The department is continuously monitoring reservoir levels, discharge quantities and downstream water flow to ensure that releases remain regulated and safe. All prescribed SOPs and necessary preventive measures are being followed during the operations.

The advance measures are part of the State’s preparedness to manage additional rainfall runoff, regulate reservoir inflows and reduce the possibility of flooding during the impending weather system.