BHUBANESWAR: With the cyclonic circulation set to turn into a low pressure off Odisha coast, the State Government is keeping a close watch on the river systems and discharges from the dams in the next few days.
The India Meteorological Department said the system will trigger showers, starting Sunday. However, most of the rainfall is expected in southern and adjoining western districts of the State. "Districts such as Rayagada, Kandhamal, Kalahandi and Nuapada may get more showers under the influence of the system," said IMD, Bhubaneswar, Director SC Sahu.
This will mean possibilities of a flood in Hati and Tel rivers in Bhawanipatna district that pour into Mahanadi. Though the Mahanadi river system has shown stable water flow despite discharge from Hirakud dam, the Government does not want to take any chance.
The latest data by the State Emergency Centre revealed that discharge at Khairmal has risen marginally from 4.54 lakh cusecs at 6 am to 4.60 lakh cusecs at 6 pm. Similarly, at Barmul, the flow had risen from 3.98 lakh cusecs to 4.26 lakh cusecs while at Munduli, it saw a double jump - from 1.78 lakh cusecs to 3.57 lakh cusecs - with flood water gradually reaching the downstream.
Mahanadi was also showing a rising trend at Naraj where the water level was 25.02 metres against the warning level of 25.41 metres. Brahmani and Jalaka were the other two rivers showing a rising trend.
However, the assuring fact for the Government could be the forecast that the system may not trigger much rain beyond Odisha borders. If Chhattisgarh is not pounded with rains, there will be no flood threat as Hirakud water level will be manageable.