Odisha CM orders release of water from Hirakud Dam on CM Sai’s request amid Chhattisgarh rains

Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], September 12 (ANI): Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi released the water from the Hirakud Dam to avert a potential flood disaster at the request of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.

Considering the continuous rainfall over the past few days, CM Sai requested Odisha CM to release the water from the Hirakud Dam. Responding promptly to CM Deo Sai’s initiative, Odisha’s CM Majhi, immediately ordered the release of an appropriate quantity of water from Hirakud Dam, keeping the interests of both states in mind. This proactive measure aims to protect the villagers from possible loss of life and property in over two dozen villages.

Sai expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Majhi for his sensitive and timely intervention.

It is noteworthy that in previous years, due to heavy rainfall, more than two dozen villages in Chhattisgarh, falling within the submergence area of Hirakud Dam, suffered severe flooding.

However, for the first time, thanks to the welfare-oriented governments of both Chhattisgarh and Odisha, an unprecedented level of coordination has been achieved. This swift decision, taken in the public interest, is a testament to the harmonious relations between the two states, ensuring that the areas historically prone to floods have now been spared from the disaster this year.

Earlier, the State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) team rescued over 50 individuals trapped by flooding caused by rising water levels in the Shivnath River. The increase in water levels is due to waterlogging in reservoir catchment areas, prompting the release of water from several reservoirs.

Heavy rains have returned to Chhattisgarh, especially impacting Dhamtari district, which has been experiencing intermittent downpours since Monday. This continuous rainfall has led to major water inflow into all four major dams in the district–Gangrel, Madam Silli, Dudhwa, and Saudhur. Consequently, Gangrel Dam, the second largest in Chhattisgarh, has reached full capacity.

Bhupendra Savnani, SDO of the Water Resources Department, said, “To manage the excess water, the gates of all four dams have been opened, releasing water into the Mahanadi River. The Gangrel Dam, which holds 32 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water, has had nine of its gates opened, releasing 25,000 cusecs of water into the river.” He added, “The district administration is alerting people by making announcements in the coastal areas.”

According to prior reports, last week in Sukma district, the rains caused rivers and streams to overflow, isolating numerous villages and cutting off access to essential services and the district headquarters.

Villagers struggled to get the help they needed due to the flooding. Security personnel stationed in the area worked to ensure safety and provide assistance. CAPF soldiers have been seen helping villagers cross a flooded stream near Nagaram in the Chintalnar police station area. Their efforts are crucial in aiding those affected by the severe weather conditions.