Nabarangpur , Sept 4 [UDN}:The authorities of the Indravati Irrigation Project have decided to keep a close watch on the rapidly rising water level in the Indravati Reservoir and initiate preparations for opening the reservoir gates if necessary. The project administration has informed the Nabarangpur district administration about the situation, following which officials have begun issuing warnings through loudspeakers in low-lying areas.
The district administration has directed the concerned officials to take advance precautionary measures in vulnerable areas along the Indravati River. People living in downstream areas are being alerted about the possibility of a sudden increase in river flow once water is released from the reservoir.
According to officials, the reservoir water level has already reached around 639.600 metres, against its maximum level of approximately 642 metres. The reservoir is currently holding about 119,155 hectare-metres of water, equivalent to around 80.21% of its capacity. Water is reportedly flowing into the reservoir at a rate of approximately 290.160 cubic metres per second (cumecs).
With rainfall continuing in the catchment areas, officials expect the water level to rise further. In view of the possibility of the reservoir approaching its maximum level, the project authorities have informed the district administration that the spillway gates may be opened at any time to release excess water, depending on the prevailing conditions.
The administration has intensified awareness activities in Nabarangpur, Tentulikhunti, Nandahandi and other downstream areas. Officials and departmental personnel are visiting villages and using loudspeakers to warn residents. People have been advised not to enter the river or go near its banks and not to allow cattle or other domestic animals to approach the river.
The situation has become particularly important because substantial rainfall has been recorded across the district. Around 139 mm of rainfall was recorded during the latest 24-hour period, while approximately 261.8 mm of rainfall was recorded on August 30.
Meanwhile, power generation from the Mukhiguda powerhouse has also increased. Following the rise in generation, electricity production has reportedly reached around 312.333 MW per hour, with approximately 7,496 MW of power generated over a 24-hour period, according to the information provided.
The India Meteorological Department has also issued a yellow warning for Kalahandi, Koraput and Rayagada districts, which cover parts of the catchment area associated with the Indravati reservoir. If rainfall intensifies further in these regions, the reservoir could approach its maximum permissible level, increasing the need for controlled water release.
Project officials have therefore asked the district administration and local authorities to remain prepared. Tahsildars, BDOs and other officials in vulnerable blocks have been alerted so that evacuation, public announcements and other precautionary measures can be undertaken promptly if the gates are opened.
The Indravati Project administration has also instructed its field staff to conduct village-level awareness campaigns. Residents have specifically been cautioned that water levels and river currents can rise suddenly after the reservoir gates are opened, and they should therefore stay away from the river and its downstream channels.
It is worth noting that water was previously released from the Indravati reservoir in 2019. After a gap of about seven years, preparations are now reportedly underway for another possible controlled discharge, depending on rainfall and reservoir levels.
Officials of the concerned departments, including project engineers and district authorities, are continuously monitoring the reservoir and surrounding areas. The administration has urged residents in downstream locations to remain alert and follow official instructions to avoid any untoward incident.
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