Sambalpur: Due to low rainfall in November or later, Hirakud Reservoir water level is 4 feet lower than last year

Sambalpur: This year, the lack of unseasonal rain has affected the Hirakud Reservoir. Due to low rainfall in November or later, this time compared to last year, the Hirakud Reservoir is emptying faster. On the date of 2022, that is, on March 18, the water level of Hirakud was 621.81 feet, while this year it is 617.58 feet on that day. Today, the water level is more than 4 feet lower than last year.

According to the source of the dam authority, the water level is 2 feet above the target this year. A high-level coordination meeting is held in November every year with the secretaries of Agriculture, Irrigation and Power. During the non-monsoon season, the water level in Hirakud is decided during the meeting, and how much water will be given to whom. This year, according to the target, the water level should be up to 615 feet. However, today the water level is 2 feet above that, which is satisfactory. So the equation to keep the water flowing till the end of June, till monsoon comes, is on track. At present, water is being withdrawn as needed for irrigation, while less water is being supplied for power generation.

Irrigation is possible till the reservoir level reaches 590 feet. However, to maintain the water pressure in the canal, the dam authorities try not to drop the water level below 600 by the end of June. An official of Hirakud Dam said that the water level is 4 feet below this year compared to last year, but the situation is not alarming.