The water level in the Hirakud Dam reservoir is depleting at an alarming rate causing worries for both farmers and the dam authorities. No rain in the upper catchment is said to be the main reason behind the decrease in the level.
“Last year on the day, the water level was 610 feet and first flood water was discharged to the Mahanadi on July 25, 2018. But this year, we are to now count every drop of water,” said a senior officer of the Hirakud Dam Project, adding that given the current situation, discharge of first flood water would also get delayed.
However, he clarified, “If we don’t get sufficient rainfall within a day or two, the situation will be alarming but we will never neglect the canal system and water for farmers.”
As per information, the water level in Hirakud on Tuesday was 598.79 feet. Just a few days back, i.e. on July 13, the water level was 601.65 feet, but it got reduced drastically with only 8,005 cusec inflow, informed the dam control room authorities.
Further, power generation has been almost stopped keeping in view the need of the farmers in the peak period. It needs mention here that 598 feet water level in end of July is an exceptional case in the dam.
Meanwhile, with decrease in water level, the farmer communities of the entire Hirakud command area are at a loss.
If the level decreases further and reaches 595 feet, then discharge of water to canal would be totally impossible, they apprehended.
But keeping in view the situation, the Government has reduced power generation drastically with only one turbine running at present consuming only 3,000 cusec water.
“Hence, we will not have any problem at present for irrigation purposes even if we don’t get instant rainfall,” the same officer said.