Residents of low-lying areas in Rourkela city are experiencing concern as the Brahmani River swells due to continuous rainfall over the past few days. The river’s water level has been increasing because of persistent rain in its catchment areas and surplus water inflow from the Koel River.
Key Points:
- Current Status: As of 3 pm on Saturday, the Brahmani River began rising following the release of floodwater from the Sankh River via the Mandira Dam at Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP).
- Mandira Dam Details: By 9 am on Sunday, the Mandira Dam’s water level was at 681 feet. The dam was releasing 53,930 cusec of water through nine spillway gates, each set to a height of seven feet, and two gates at four feet each.
- Current River Levels: By 3 pm, the Brahmani River at Rourkela was at 176.65 meters, below the warning level of 177.51 meters but above the danger level of 178.42 meters. The river was receiving more water from the Sankh River than from the Koel River. As rainfall ceased around 11 am, conditions are expected to improve, provided water flow from both tributaries decreases.
Impact on Local Areas:
The backwater from the Brahmani River has affected over a dozen homes in Balughat. The local administration is monitoring the situation for potential flooding.
Agricultural Impact in Sundargarh District
The recent rains have positively impacted agriculture in Sundargarh district, bringing relief after prolonged dry spells.
Agricultural Developments:
- Paddy Transplanting: The recent rainfall has significantly boosted paddy transplanting operations, which now cover 40-45% of the district’s paddy fields. The Chief District Agriculture Officer (CDAO), Harihar Nayak, anticipates that with continued good rainfall, 100% coverage could be achieved within the next two to three weeks.
- Non-Paddy Crops: So far, 62% of non-paddy crops—including arhar, maize, moong, biri, sesame, groundnut, and vegetables—have been cultivated.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What caused the Brahmani River to rise?
- A) Increased water flow from the Koel River
- B) Continuous rainfall in its catchment areas and inflow from the Koel River
- C) Release of floodwater from the Mandira Dam only
- D) Decrease in water flow from the Sankh River
- What was the water level of the Mandira Dam at 9 am on Sunday?
- A) 681 feet
- B) 700 feet
- C) 690 feet
- D) 650 feet
- As of 3 pm, what was the water level of the Brahmani River at Rourkela?
- A) 176.65 meters
- B) 177.51 meters
- C) 178.42 meters
- D) 175.00 meters
- What percentage of paddy transplanting operations has been completed in Sundargarh district?
- A) 30%
- B) 45%
- C) 60%
- D) 25%
- What percentage of non-paddy crops have been cultivated so far in Sundargarh district?
- A) 50%
- B) 62%
- C) 75%
- D) 40%