Balangir: The Lower Suktel Irrigation Project in Balangir district released floodwater from its reservoir for the first time on Sunday since completion of the project.Water was discharged through three sluice gates after heavy rainfall in the upper catchment significantly increased the reservoir’s inflow. Project authorities said nearly 405 cubic metres of water per second was being released to maintain the reservoir at a safe level. Engineers took the decision following continuous rainfall overnight, which led to a sharp rise in the water level.The rising reservoir has once again triggered concerns for 84 families of Kumianpali village, whose houses are located in thesubmergence zone. Many residents have refused to relocate, alleging that they are yet to receive adequate compensation.
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On Saturday night, rain-fed inflows caused water to enter parts of the village, increasing the urgency of evacuation efforts.“We are releasing water through three of the dam’s 12 sluice gates to maintain a safe reservoir level. Officials of the project and the district administration are making all efforts to persuade residents of Kumianpali to vacate their homes and shift to the rehabilitation colony at the earliest,” said Surendra Bhoi, chief construction engineer of Lower Suktel Irrigation Project.Bhoi said the district administration had been informed in advance about the water release through an official communication. Revenue officials have been directed to alert villages situated along the downstream stretch of the river and advise residents to stay away from the river as a precaution against possible flood-like conditions.The reservoir has a gross storage capacity of 26,343 hectare-metres (ham). Project officials said the administration plans to store the reservoir at full monsoon capacity this year. The stored water is expected to be released on a trial basis during the upcoming Rabi cultivation season to provide irrigation to command area farmers.
