Bhubaneswar, Sept. 21 (UDN): Deficient rainfall has led to a decline in water levels in some major reservoirs of southern Odisha, raising concerns over water availability for irrigation and other uses in the coming months.

 Representational Image 

The Upper Kolab Reservoir in Koraput and Balimela Reservoir in Malkangiri are among the projects witnessing a significant drop in storage compared with the corresponding period last year.

Kolab, Balimela Record Lower Storage

The Upper Kolab reservoir is currently holding about 53.45% of its capacity, compared with 80.86% during the same period last year.

The Balimela reservoir is also at around 58% of its capacity, while its water level is reportedly nearly nine feet lower than it was at this time in 2025.

The reduced storage has raised concerns among farmers, particularly if the rainfall deficit persists. A prolonged shortage could put pressure on water availability for both Kharif and Rabi cultivation.

However, Kailash Chandra Sethi, Superintending Engineer, said the present water level at Balimela is not expected to affect power generation at this stage.

Telengiri, Satiguda Have Adequate Storage

Not all reservoirs in the region are facing the same situation. The Telengiri Reservoir in Koraput is currently at around 89.89% of its capacity.

Against its full-reservoir level of 633 metres, the water level stands at 631.7 metres. The reservoir is receiving around four cusecs of water, while a similar quantity is being released.

The Telengiri project is expected to support irrigation across more than 14,000 hectares during the Kharif and Rabi seasons.

The Satiguda Reservoir in Malkangiri is also maintaining a relatively healthy storage level. Its current water level is around 191.25 metres, compared with a full-reservoir level of 192.63 metres.

Rainfall Could Improve Reservoir Position

The prevailing water situation could improve if the region receives substantial rainfall in the coming days. The weather department has forecast heavy rain under the influence of a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal.

Good rainfall in southern Odisha could replenish the reservoirs and provide relief to concerns surrounding irrigation and water availability.

For now, authorities and farmers remain watchful of rainfall patterns, particularly as the region enters a crucial period for agricultural water demand.