Incessant rain left several areas of Sambalpur town flooded on Friday. People alleged that poor drainage system in the town prevented rain water from flowing into River Mahanadi.
Residents also complained that encroachment at various places had also affected the flow of water in the town’s natural Dhobijore Nulla, compounding the problem of flooding.
The worst-affected areas in the town were Gopalmal and Housing Board Colony where rainwater entered various houses.
Affected people came out on the streets and agitated against the alleged negligence of the municipal authorities for not paying proper attention towards the drainage system in the areas.
Life was also affected in several other places including Modipara, Malipara, Danipali, Bahalpara and Badbazar.
“We have evacuated the affected people to safer areas. We have also provided relief to the affected people in Bahalpara and Gopalmal areas. The situation is now under control and there is no need to panic”, a senior official of the district administration said.
Official sources said Sambalpur district received a record rainfall of a rain fall of 214 mm on Thursday and 334.8 mm on Friday. Jujomora block received the highest rainfall of 118 mm on Friday.
Meanwhile, Hirakud dam on Friday opened nine gates to discharge excessive water from the reservoir.
Dam sources revealed that the dam was receiving 1.70 lakhs cuses of water per second and discharging 1.65 lakhs cuses water per second through the gates and canals. While the water level of the reservoir has remained at 610.41 feet on Friday afternoon.
“We are trying to maintain the water level at 610 feet (maximum level is 630 feet) till the end of this month. So we have decided to discharge the additional water coming into the reservoir”, the executive engineer of Hirakud Dam Project engineer RK Panda said.
