Odisha opens Hirakud dam gates as cyclone Murasu approaches
The Water Resources Department has initiated reservoir management measures to create flood cushions for anticipated heavy rainfall.
The Odisha government has stepped up reservoir management across the state to regulate water flows and ensure safety ahead of cyclone Murasu, according to Odisha Bytes and Sambad English.
Officials said the primary objective is to create an adequate flood cushion in reservoirs to accommodate additional inflows and minimise flooding risks during the extreme weather event.
Five gates of the Hirakud dam have been opened to manage rising inflows from the upstream catchment and anticipated cyclone-induced rainfall in the Mahanadi system.
Controlled water discharge from the Baghalati and Ghodahada reservoirs commenced on Sunday evening. Baghalati is releasing 85 cubic metres per second (cumecs) and Ghodahada is discharging 115 cumecs to reduce storage levels to approximately 60 per cent.
A phased release plan is in place for the Badanala and Harabhangi reservoirs. Badanala, currently at 78.46 per cent capacity, will increase its discharge to 175 cumecs until the afternoon of November 2.
Harabhangi Reservoir, at 85.55 per cent capacity, will maintain its current 257 cumecs discharge until the morning of November 2, before increasing to 360 cumecs to reach a 60 per cent storage level.