Nandapur: The Jolaput reservoir in Bilaput panchayat of Nandapur block in Koraput district released the season’s first floodwater after authorities opened two gates Monday.
The reservoir’s water level rose following incessant rain triggered by the low-intensity cyclonic storm Arnab. As the level approached the danger mark, authorities opened two gates to discharge about 8,000 cusecs of water.
The reservoir has a full storage level of 2,750 feet, while the current level stands at 2,747.05 feet. With the India Meteorological Department forecasting further rainfall in October, the gates were opened as a precautionary measure to create additional storage capacity, officials said.
The reservoir authorities, along with the local tehsil and district administrations, alerted downstream villages, including those along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border, to remain vigilant.
Meanwhile, water levels at the D-Dam of the Machhakund Hydroelectric Project have also risen. Gate No 6 and 7 were opened by 8 feet, releasing 8,000 cusecs towards the Balimela reservoir.