Residents of the Bastar division who were just beginning to recover from severe inundation face another serious emergency. Instead of receding, the water level of the Indravati river is poised to climb sharply following the release of water from the neighboring state of Odisha. Authorities there opened a sluice gate at the Khatiguda dam, sending a heavy surge coursing downstream. This discharge is projected to hit the Jagdalpur region around 2 AM, after which water levels are expected to rise by 3 to 4 feet, roughly 1 to 1.5 meters. The fresh surge has triggered widespread anxiety across communities still grappling with the fallout of earlier floods.
Nighttime Surge and the Risk of Venomous Creatures
In light of the impending surge, Jagdalpur Mayor Sanjay Pandey urged the public, especially those settled along the riverbanks, to remain on high alert. He pointed out that residents living across 10 wards lining the Indravati river need to maintain strict vigilance. A major concern highlighted by the mayor is that sudden water entry in the middle of the night forces snakes, scorpions, and various hazardous insects into residential quarters. Urging citizens not to risk staying put, he advised them to relocate immediately to relatives' residences or move into relief shelters set up by the municipal corporation.
Evacuation Drive and Municipal Response
The municipal administration swung into action immediately after receiving confirmation regarding the opening of the Khatiguda dam gate. Mayor Sanjay Pandey alerted all municipal councillors without delay. Ward representatives from both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress have stepped onto the ground, coordinating efforts to shift vulnerable families out of harm's way.
Evacuation drives have commenced across vulnerable low-lying settlements, with continuous public address announcements informing families of the approaching floodwaters. High-risk riverbank pockets like Goka Pal and Daga Ghat remain under close scrutiny due to their extreme exposure. The municipal corporation has established shelter camps equipped with essential facilities to accommodate evacuated families until river conditions stabilize.
