Power generation from the Indravati Hydro Electric Project in Kalahandi district, which was stopped for an indefinite period following heavy downpours in the region, resumed its operation from Saturday after the water level of the Hati river receded, said Gridco officials.
A halt in operation of the project on Thursday had seriously affected power supply in the State as one-hour power-cut across the State had followed to make up for the shortfall in power generation.
Meanwhile, south and western parts of Odisha, which experienced heavy to very heavy rain fall and flood fury, were slowing returning to normal after unremitting rains for last three days halted on Saturday. Following the receding of water from various rivers including the Hati and the Bansadhara, the road communication in the cut off areas of Kalahandi, Koraput, Rayagada and Gajapati districts resumed.
According to the weathermen, the low pressure is weakening in the State and is all set to move towards neighbouring Madhya Pradesh. Due to the effect of the weakening low pressure, rain would occur at the river basins of Subarnarekha, Baitarani and Budhabalanga, they added.
The State received 139.55 mm rainfall within three days against 76 mm, which was a normal rain forecast by the Meteorological officials.
Nabarangpur received the highest rainfall 427.7 mm. The local Meteorological office predicted that rain and thunder squall would occur at most places over coastal Odisha and at many places over interim parts of the State. Heavy to very heavy rain may occur at one or two places over the State during next 48 hours, the office said in a Press release.
Meanwhile, the farmers in Kalahandi district have alleged that procurement delays by the Government led to loss of huge paddy in Mandis due to the rains. Insufficient sheds in the Mandis had led to the stocking of the paddy bags under the open sky. As a result, the paddy bags got wet in excessive rains and the paddy germinated. There were no sheds in seven Mandis under Kalampur block. In Nandul Mandi of Junagarh block, paddy had been reportedly kept uncovered. Sources said about 3,000 quintals of paddy were lost as they got wet and germinated.
Reports of crop loss also came from Chichiguda, Balichhada, Habaspur, Mahichala, Chilguda and Banijara villages under Junagarh block, where flood water swept away the standing crops in many farm lands.
With receding water level in Hati river of Junagarh, roads connecting from Junagarh to Dharmagarh, Nabarangpur, Jeypore and neighbouring State Chhatisgarh came to its normal position on Saturday.
Kalahandi Collector Govinda Chandra Sethi told The Pioneer that the exact figure of loss was yet to be received.
“We have started lifting the paddy from tomorrow morning, where they are in unsafe condition,” he said.