Five Chandil Dam Gates Opened as Water Level Rises  

Administration issues alert for riverbank residents as IMD forecasts more heavy rain across Kolhan

 Jamshedpur: With incessant monsoon rainfall causing a steady rise in the water level of Chandil Dam, authorities have opened five of the dam’s 13 radial gates as a precautionary measure to regulate the inflow and prevent flooding in downstream areas.

According to officials, four gates were opened by 20 centimetres each, while one gate was raised by 30 centimetres to facilitate the controlled release of excess water.

The water level of the dam was recorded at 179.33 metres on Wednesday. Officials from the Water Resources Department said the gates were opened to prevent the reservoir from reaching the critical 180-metre mark.

Precautionary step to prevent flooding

The decision follows recommendations made during a recent meeting of the Disaster Management Committee at the Chandil Sub-Divisional Office, where officials resolved to keep the dam’s water level below 180 metres (RL) to minimise the risk of flooding in low-lying areas.

Authorities said the controlled discharge of water is intended to safeguard villages located downstream and reduce the impact of backwater during the peak monsoon season.

Displaced villages on alert

The rising water level has heightened concerns among residents of villages affected by the Chandil Dam project. Every monsoon, several submerged and low-lying villages face waterlogging and flood-like conditions due to backwater from the reservoir.

Local residents are closely monitoring the situation as the administration continues to regulate the dam’s water level.

Rivers swelling across the region

The continuous rainfall has also caused the water levels of the Swarnarekha and Kharkai rivers flowing through Jamshedpur to rise steadily.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for the region from July 9 to July 12, forecasting light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms.

The weather department has further predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in several parts of Kolhan and adjoining districts on July 13 and 14, prompting authorities to remain on high alert.

Administration issues safety advisory

The district administration has appealed to people residing along riverbanks and in low-lying areas to remain vigilant as water levels may rise further in the coming days.

Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary visits to riverbanks and to refrain from taking livestock near rivers until the weather improves. Officials said the situation is being monitored round the clock, and appropriate action will be taken if rainfall intensifies further.