Water level goes down in Indravati

Expressbuzz, May 1, 2009

BHAWANIPATNA: Kalahandi is in the grip of acute water crisis sans rains since September last. Most of the water sources have dried up and farmers are apprehending loss of paddy crops in many minor irrigation ayacut areas.

Water level in Indravati reservoir, considered lifeline of Kalahandi, has also decreased. The 110 sq km reservoir has the capacity of 642 meter and the lowest water level is 627 meter but the water level now stands at 626 meter. Besides providing water for irrigation, Indravati also caters to generation of 600 MW power which the OHPC supplies to Gridco. The OHPC is at present generating 300 MW power. OHPC sources said the capacity of reservoir would further decrease if power generation will continue at the present rate for another week.

This would affect the rabi crop. Agriculture department officials said the ‘dalua’ paddy in Indravati ayacut area needs irrigation water for another 15 days.