KORBA/SARANGARH-BILAIGARH, CHHATTISGARH: The water level in the Minimata Bango Reservoir in Korba district has been rising steadily due to continuous rainfall, raising the possibility that the dam gates may be opened if the inflow increases further.
As of August 8, the reservoir’s water storage had reached 89.55% of its capacity. Officials are closely monitoring the inflow and water level, and the Bango Dam gates at Machadoli could be opened if the situation requires.
If water is released from the dam, it is expected to flow into the Hasdeo River and eventually reach the Mahanadi River beyond Champa.
Water Level May Rise in Several Mahanadi Areas
Once the water reaches the Mahanadi, the river level could rise in areas including Shivrinarayan, Bhatgaon, Hasoud, Chandrapur and Sariya.
The situation could potentially affect villages and settlements located along the riverbanks in Janjgir-Champa, Sakti, Sarangarh-Bilaigarh and Raigarh districts.
Water Resources Department teams are keeping a close watch on the water level and flow at several locations, including the Mironi, Saradih and Kalma barrages.
Officials are continuously monitoring the situation to assess the impact of any increase in discharge from Bango Dam.
Administration Issues Alert to Villages Along Mahanadi
The Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district administration has appealed to residents living near the Mahanadi to remain alert.
Residents have been advised to avoid going near the river and to take all official warnings and instructions seriously.
The administration has also kept rescue teams on standby to respond quickly if the water level rises and an emergency situation develops.
Authorities have urged people not to take unnecessary risks near riverbanks, particularly as rainfall and water discharge conditions can change rapidly.
Tehsildars’ Responsibilities Revised for Flood Management
As part of preparations for possible flooding, Collector Padmini Bhoi Sahu has revised the responsibilities and postings of tehsildars in Bhatgaon, Bilaigarh, Sariya and Baramkela tehsils.
Officials have been assigned responsibilities related to flood monitoring, emergency response and coordination in their respective areas.
Flood Control Contact Numbers
Residents can contact the following control rooms and officials in case of a flood-related emergency:
- Sariya Flood Control Room: 07768-265041
- Control Officer Pushpendra Raj: 8269967979
- Baramkela Tehsildar Komal Sahu: 8817131042
- District Flood Disaster Relief Control Room: 07768-299016
- District Flood Disaster Relief Officer, Deputy Collector Varsha Bansal: 8839256389
- Sarangarh SDM Office Flood Control Room: 07768-233706
- Sarangarh SDM Umesh Kumar Sahu: 8305377283
- Bilaigarh SDM Praful Rajak: 9340535968
- Sarangarh Tehsildar N.K. Sinha: 8103002246
- Sarsiwa Tehsildar Mohan Sahu: 8966850356
- Kosir Naib-Tehsildar Shani Ram Paikra: 9827464329
Officials Closely Monitoring the Situation
The rising storage level at Bango Dam, combined with continued rainfall and increasing inflows, has prompted authorities to step up monitoring along the Hasdeo-Mahanadi river system.
While the opening of the dam gates will depend on the reservoir’s water level and inflow conditions, residents in downstream areas have been advised to remain prepared and follow instructions issued by the district administration.
Authorities have emphasized that people living near the Hasdeo and Mahanadi riverbanks should remain cautious and immediately respond to any official evacuation or safety advisory if issued.
