Five Chandil Dam gates opened as water level rises   

Pioneer News Service  

Jamshedpur

With incessant monsoon rain pushing up the water level at Chandil Dam, authorities have opened five of the dam’s 13 radial gates to regulate the inflow and prevent flooding in downstream areas.

Officials said four gates were opened by 20 cm each, while one gate was raised by 30 cm for the controlled release of excess water. The reservoir’s water level stood at 179.33 metres on Wednesday, close to the 180-metre threshold set to minimise flood risks.

The move follows a recent decision of the Disaster Management Committee to maintain the reservoir level below 180 metres (RL) during the monsoon to reduce the impact of backwater flooding in low-lying villages.

Authorities said the regulated discharge is aimed at protecting downstream habitations, many of which experience waterlogging and flood-like conditions every monsoon due to rising backwater from the reservoir. Residents of villages affected by the Chandil Dam project are closely monitoring the situation as rainfall continues.

Meanwhile, continuous showers have also led to a steady rise in the water levels of the Swarnarekha and Kharkai rivers flowing through Jamshedpur.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for the region from July 9 to July 12, forecasting light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms. Heavy to very heavy rainfall has also been predicted in parts of Kolhan and adjoining districts on July 13 and 14.

The district administration has urged people living along riverbanks and in low-lying areas to remain alert, avoid venturing near swollen rivers and keep livestock away from riverbanks. Officials said the situation is being monitored round the clock and further measures will be taken if rainfall intensifies.