HEAVY rainfall for the past three days in Koriya and Manendragarh districts has led to the Hasdeo River, originating from Jhagrakhand, overflowing. The pressure has been compounded by its tributaries, putting the multi-purpose Hasdeo Bango Dam project in Korba district on high alert as it nears full capacity. Currently, 30,000 cusecs of water per second are being released into the river due to the dam’s 93% water storage level. Additionally, 15 feet of water is being discharged through three gates of the Hasdeo Barrage at Darri. The relentless rainfall has not only affected neighbouring districts but has also caused abnormal conditions in Korba district. This is the first time this season that the gates of the Bango Dam had to be opened. On Saturday night, 20,000 cusecs of water were released into the Hasdeo River through three gates, but this measure proved insufficient.

 

The continuous inflow of water into the dam has escalated the situation, necessitating the release of even more water. As a result, a total of 30,000 cusecs is now being released into the Hasdeo River. The release of water from the Bango Dam has not only raised the Hasdeo River’s water level but has also put pressure on Darri Barrage. Consequently, additional water is being discharged from the barrage into the river, impacting areas such as Motisagarpada, Seetamani, and Imliduggu. These regions, where the riverbank is some distance away or where floodwaters find alternative routes, have seen flooding and damage to some houses. Residents have taken shelter in safer locations. Executive Engineer of the Hasdeo Bango Dam Project, Santosh Tiwari, confirmed that 30,000 cusecs of water are being released through six gates, with one gate currently being tested.

 

The dam is now 93% full, and any decision to open more gates will be based on a careful review of the situation, with the administration being informed in advance. Darri Barrage SDO Shivnarain Rai reported that 20,000 cusecs of water have been released so far, with the possibility of increasing the discharge to 50,000 cusecs. Residents in riverbank areas and flood-affected regions have been alerted to move to safer locations. The earlier opening of the Darri Barrage gate had already caused flooding in lower settlements, and with the continuous release of water, these areas now face an even greater threat of flooding.