Bhubaneswar, Sep 27: The Odisha Water Resources Department has confirmed that while water levels in the Mahanadi and its tributaries are rising, there is currently no flood situation in the state.

Odisha Water Resources Department Chief Engineer Chandra Sekhar Padhi stated that precautionary measures are being taken to manage the flow and prevent any overflow.

The water level in the Hirakud reservoir stood at 627.85 feet this morning, just below its full capacity of 630 feet. To regulate the inflow of 2.55 lakh cubic feet per second, 16 gates were opened, releasing 3.31 lakh cubic feet of water. However, based on downstream conditions, six gates will be closed, reducing the outflow to 10 gates.

Also read: Hirakud Dam Closes Four Gates As Water Inflow Declines

At Mundali, the Mahanadi is currently carrying 5.96 lakh cusecs of water, expected to rise to 6 lakh cusecs. Officials assure that this level remains below the danger mark and will begin to recede by Sunday evening once the gates are adjusted.

Tributaries such as Luna, Paika, Chitrotpala, Daya, Bhargavi, Kuakhai, and Kathajodi are also experiencing increased water levels due to heavy rainfall in the past 24 hours. Kalimela block recorded the highest rainfall at 121 mm, while 49 blocks saw rainfall exceeding 50 mm.

Despite these figures, none of the rivers have crossed the danger mark, and southern Odisha rivers remain under control. The department emphasized that the situation is being closely monitored and there is no immediate threat of flooding.