Bhubaneswar: With a cyclone and heavy rainfall looming over Odisha, the State Government has stepped up precautionary measures to regulate reservoir levels, create adequate storage capacity and minimise the risk of flooding.
Simultaneously, post-cyclone relief, restoration and emergency response operations have been intensified in affected urban areas, with priority being given to restoring essential services and extending assistance to affected families.
The Water Resources Department has initiated advance reservoir management measures across the State to ensure the safe regulation of anticipated inflows and efficient management of excess rainfall during the impending weather event.
The primary objective is to create sufficient flood cushion in major reservoirs to accommodate additional inflows and reduce the possibility of downstream flooding.
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Considering the increasing inflow from the upstream catchment of Hirakud Reservoir and the likelihood of a further rise in water levels, five gates of Hirakud Dam have been opened and controlled discharge of water has commenced.
The precautionary release is aimed at regulating the anticipated increase in inflow into the Mahanadi river system due to possible cyclone-induced rainfall while creating additional storage capacity to accommodate future inflows.
Similarly, controlled water discharge from Baghalati and Ghodahada reservoirs began Sunday evening. A discharge of 85 cumecs from Baghalati Reservoir and 115 cumecs from Ghodahada Reservoir is being maintained to bring down their storage levels to approximately 60 per cent.
The discharge operations are being carried out in the presence of the Additional Chief Engineer, Rushikulya-Bahuda Basin, in strict compliance with prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and necessary safety precautions. The Collector and District Magistrate of Srikakulam has also been duly informed about the releases.
A phased water-release strategy has also been prepared for Badanala and Harabhangi reservoirs.
Badanala Reservoir is currently at 78.46 per cent of its storage capacity, with a spillway discharge of 102.13 cumecs. The discharge is scheduled to be increased to 175 cumecs and maintained until the afternoon of November 2, 2026, with the aim of reducing the reservoir’s storage level to around 60 per cent.
Similarly, Harabhangi Reservoir is presently holding 85.55 per cent of its capacity, with a spillway discharge of 257 cumecs. The existing discharge will continue until the morning of November 2, after which it is planned to be increased to 360 cumecs and maintained until the evening.
The exercise is intended to bring down the reservoir’s storage level to approximately 60 per cent, creating adequate space to accommodate additional runoff from the anticipated rainfall.
The Water Resources Department is closely monitoring reservoir levels, discharge volumes and downstream water flow to ensure that all releases remain controlled and safe. Necessary precautionary and preventive measures are being implemented, with all operations carried out in accordance with established SOPs.
The Department has reiterated that it remains on high alert and is taking all necessary steps to safeguard public safety and ensure efficient management of water resources during the possible cyclone.
Meanwhile, the Housing and Urban Development Department has intensified relief, restoration and emergency response operations across cyclone-affected urban areas following Cyclone ARNAB.
The focus is on expediting the restoration of essential services, strengthening field-level response mechanisms and ensuring timely assistance to affected households.
In Brahmapur, emergency efforts are underway to restore normal drinking water supply, with restoration work at the Janivili Intake being undertaken on a war footing.
The ongoing restoration and emergency response operations are being personally monitored by Additional Chief Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee; Director, Municipal Administration, Arindam Dakua; and Managing Director, WATCO, Debabrata Mohanty.
The senior officials are maintaining close coordination with field-level teams to expedite restoration work and ensure the early normalisation of water supply.
As part of the coordinated post-cyclone response, the Department has directed the District Urban Development Agency (DUDA) teams in Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Malkangiri, Koraput and Rayagada districts to accord top priority to the preparation and submission of Preliminary Damage Assessment Reports.
The reports will be consolidated and forwarded to the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) for necessary action.
Emphasising the need for a compassionate and people-centric approach to post-cyclone recovery, Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee has directed all Executive Officers (EOs) of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to ensure timely reporting and closely monitor the situation until normalcy is fully restored.
She has also called for the mobilisation of Community Organisers (COs), Sahajog Saathis and sanitation workers to extend direct assistance to affected families.
The Housing and Urban Development Department is maintaining continuous supervision of relief and restoration activities across the affected urban areas, with particular emphasis on restoring essential services, ensuring safe drinking water, strengthening technical support and extending timely assistance to vulnerable households.
All concerned officials and field-level teams have been instructed to remain vigilant, responsive and proactive until normalcy is completely restored.
Through advance reservoir regulation and intensified urban relief operations, the State Government is focusing on minimising the impact of the adverse weather situation, protecting public safety and ensuring a speedy return to normal life in the affected areas.