RAIPUR: Continuous heavy rainfall has disrupted normal life in Chhattisgarh’s Dhamtari district, with all major reservoirs in the region nearing full capacity and the administration issuing a high alert for villages located along the Mahanadi and in low-lying areas.
Following heavy inflow from catchment areas, three gates of the Gangrel Dam, also known as Ravishankar Sagar Reservoir, were opened on the directions of the district administration. A total of 4,670 cusecs of water is being released, including 3,360 cusecs directly into the Mahanadi and 1,410 cusecs through the Rudri Barrage into the main canal.
With the Meteorological Department forecasting further rainfall, the Mahanadi’s water level is expected to rise rapidly. In view of the potential flood threat, the Dhamtari collector has placed villages along the river and in low-lying areas on high alert.
The water levels in the district’s reservoirs remain a matter of concern. Murumsilli Reservoir is 98.61 per cent full and receiving an inflow of 362 cusecs, while Gangrel Reservoir is 97.40 per cent full with an inflow of 3,365 cusecs.
Dudhawa Reservoir is currently 86.86 per cent full and receiving 437 cusecs, while Sondhur Reservoir has reached 69.25 per cent of its capacity, with an inflow of 167 cusecs.
The increased discharge into the Mahanadi is aimed at managing the rising water pressure in the reservoirs.
The district administration has stepped up preparedness in view of the rising water levels and possible flooding. The collector has directed officials and field staff to remain on alert round the clock and maintain continuous surveillance of vulnerable areas.
Authorities have urged residents to stay away from rivers, streams and waterlogged areas and warned them against attempting to cross swollen water bodies. Public announcements are being made in riverside villages to alert residents and facilitate the timely shifting of families from low-lying areas to safe and elevated relief centres if required.
The administration has also appealed to people not to pay heed to rumours and to rely only on official information issued by the authorities.