Odisha Revises Hirakud Rule Curve for Modern Flood Management

The Odisha Water Resources Department has initiated a major overhaul of the Hirakud reservoir’s operating manual, replacing the outdated 1988 rule curve with a dynamic, satellite‑backed system.

A high‑level expert committee, comprising engineers from Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and the Central Water Commission (CWC), will design the new model to prioritise flood control while balancing irrigation needs.

Officials emphasised that climate change, erratic rainfall, and upstream barrages have altered inflows into the Mahanadi basin, making the old manual inadequate.

The revised rule curve will rely on real‑time satellite data and forecasting to optimise reservoir operations, ensuring both flood absorption capacity and irrigation security.

The move is expected to reduce sudden inundations in coastal districts such as Cuttack, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, and Kendrapada, while also supporting durable water‑sharing agreements between Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

Authorities stressed that the revision is a scientific, evidence‑based step to modernise water management and safeguard millions living downstream.