Flood Management / Indravati Gate Opens after 7 Years, Hirakud Hits Maximum Level as Odisha Braces Heavy Rain

Bhubaneswar, Sep 21: With a fresh low-pressure system forming over the west-central Bay of Bengal, Odisha braces for heavy rainfall in the coming days. The administration has tightened its watch on major reservoirs, taking precautionary measures to manage rising water levels.

For the first time in seven years, one gate of the Indravati reservoir has been opened. Out of seven gates, the sixth gate was lifted by 0.5 meters to release excess water.

At the time of opening, the reservoir level stood at 640.29 meters against its maximum capacity of 642 meters. Authorities explained that the move was a preventive step to create space for incoming rainwater and reduce pressure on the dam.

Also read: IMD Warns of Heavy Rain in Coastal Odisha as Low Pressure to Bring 4 Days of Downpour

Meanwhile, Hirakud reservoir has reached its maximum permissible level of 630 feet. As of 6 AM on Monday, the inflow stood at 53,394 cusecs per second, while outflow was 34,336 cusecs per second.

No sluice gates have been opened, and water continues to be discharged through power channels, industrial supply lines, and canals. Officials confirmed that close monitoring of inflow and outflow is underway to maintain safety.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has identified a well-marked low-pressure area that is expected to intensify into a depression within 24 hours and possibly into a deep depression thereafter.

While it is not yet clear whether the system will evolve into a cyclone, its impact is expected to bring widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall across Odisha.

An orange warning has been issued for eight districts, while ten districts are under yellow alert. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea between September 22 and 24.