Authorities Step Up Disaster Preparedness in Tentulikhunti with Mock Drill as Indravati Water Level Rises

Nabarangpur/, :Sept 9 [UDN}: Mock Drill Conducted as Indravati Reservoir Water Level Continues to Rise

Keeping in view the steadily rising water level of the Indravati Reservoir, a mock drill was conducted to prepare for the possible opening of the reservoir gates. Authorities have stated that water will be released by opening the gates if the reservoir level approaches the danger mark.

Indravati–Kolab Basin Chief Engineer Bedambar Behera visited Khatiguda and reviewed the overall situation of the reservoir. Executive Engineer Er. Sushant Pattnaik informed that if the water level reaches 640.5 metres within the next two days, two gates of the Indravati Reservoir and one gate of the Muran Dam will be opened for the controlled release of water.

As part of the preparedness exercise, Gate No. 4, out of the seven gates of the reservoir, was opened by two feet for approximately 40 minutes during the mock drill.

As of today, the water level of the Indravati Reservoir stands at 640 metres, while the danger level has been fixed at 642 metres. Authorities have decided that the gates will be opened once the water level reaches 640.5 metres.

At present, the reservoir is receiving water at the rate of 278.80 cumecs per second, while 193.94 cumecs per second is being discharged. Meanwhile, the power station at Mukhiguda is generating 556 megawatts of electricity per hour.

Residents living in the downstream areas of the river had already been alerted in advance through public announcement systems on August 31. Officials stated that the possibility of any unpleasant situation is expected to remain low if water is released through the gates in a controlled manner.

However, as a precautionary measure, the district administration has stated that if any serious or adverse situation arises, residents of Ghatabasuli in Kosagumuda Block will be shifted to safer locations.

During the mock drill, Assistant Additional Chief Engineer Er. Nelson Tadingi, Executive Engineer Er. Niroj Kumar Lohar, Muran Dam Executive Engineer Er. Tilottama Majhi, Podagada Dam SDO Kamal Behera and several other officials were present.