Hirakud Reservoir Nears Full Capacity as Odisha Prepares for Fresh Rainfall
Bhubaneswar: The Hirakud Reservoir, Odisha’s largest water storage facility, has reached a critical level, with its storage nearing full capacity amid forecasts of fresh rainfall across southern districts.
Authorities have intensified monitoring efforts and continued controlled water releases to maintain reservoir safety and mitigate flood risks.
According to official data, the reservoir’s water level has risen to 629.50 feet, just below its Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of 630 feet.
Currently, Hirakud is holding around 97.9 per cent of its total storage capacity, prompting the Water Resources Department to keep five sluice gates open for regulated discharge.
Over the past 24 hours, the reservoir recorded an average inflow of 105,574 cusecs against an outflow of 88,898 cusecs.
Officials said the controlled release strategy is aimed at creating additional buffer storage ahead of anticipated rainfall in the coming days.
Apart from Hirakud, several major reservoirs across Odisha, including Balimela, Jalaput, Upper Kolab, Rengali and Upper Indravati, are also maintaining high storage levels following recent rainfall activity.
Despite the elevated reservoir levels, major rivers such as the Mahanadi, Brahmani, Baitarani, Budhabalanga and Subarnarekha are currently flowing below their respective danger marks, offering temporary relief from widespread flood concerns.
The state, however, remains on alert as forecasts indicate moderate to heavy rainfall in southern Odisha over the next three days, particularly in the Rushikulya, Vansadhara, Nagavali and Sabari river basins.
Water Resources officials stated that the overall flood situation remains under control.
However, district administrations in Ganjam and Gajapati have been directed to closely monitor vulnerable embankments, irrigation canals and river infrastructure to ensure preparedness against any sudden rise in water levels.
Meanwhile, the Vansadhara River at Kasinagar is showing a rising trend and approaching the danger level, while the Rushikulya River at Purushottampur is receding and remains below the critical mark.
Authorities have advised continued vigilance as weather conditions evolve.
