Bhubaneswar: With the beginning of monsoon rainfall in the upper catchment area of Mahanadi, neighbouring Chhattisgarh opened all 64 gates of Kalma barrage, resulting in a steep rise in the water flow in Hirakud dam. The Chhattisgarh government repeatedly opens the gates of Kalama and other barrages during monsoon season and restricts the water flow of Mahanadi during non-monsoon season as a result of which Odisha faces difficulties throughout the year. The state faces difficulty in managing the high flood water inflow into the Hirakud dam during rainy days and also water scarcity during the summer season. Hirakud dam in Sambalpur district registered a significant rise in water level with 1.18 lakh cusecs water entering the Mahanadi. The gates were opened following heavy rainfall (6.06 mm) in the upper catchment of the Mahanadi in the last 24 hours. The water level of the dam was 603.67 ft against a full capacity of 630 ft with an inflow of about 80,000 cusec and an outflow of 29,772 cusec by 12 noon Friday. The water level in the reservoirs was expected to rise to 605.30 ft by Saturday, said Bhakta Ranjan Mohanty, engineer-in-chief of, the Water Resources Department.
Last year, more than 12 lakh cusec water entered into Hirakud dam, which was successfully managed, he said. The water level of Hirakud should remain about 605 ft by July end. Otherwise, it may affect the irrigation process, he said. Mohanty said the government has taken precautionary measures to tackle possible flooding in the Mahanadi system. A preparedness meeting was held and weak embankments have been repaired. If heavy rainfall continues in the upper catchment, Hirakud Dam may soon release the first flood water of the year. Chhattisgarh had earlier opened the gates of Kalma ahead of the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal’s visit. The neighbouring state usually opens and closes the dam doors, as per its whims and requirements, without having a proper consultation with Odisha.
Notably, the Odisha government locked horns with Chhattisgarh in 2016 after the water flow in the Mahanadi was reduced substantially following the construction of dams and barrages by the Chhattisgarh government. The matter is being heard in the Mahanadi Water Dispute Tribunal. Recently, the Tribunal visited both states. Odisha is expecting at least an interim order from the Tribunal on the case soon.