Lower Suktel reservoir surge forces evacuation in Balangir district

Rising water levels in the Lower Suktel reservoir after heavy rainfall in upstream catchment areas flooded several houses in Kumiapali village of Balangir district on Saturday night, forcing vulnerable families to move to safer locations and prompting authorities to open four sluice gates to release floodwater. Water entered the homes of at least three families late Saturday night, leading residents to shift belongings from nearly ten houses. Although some possessions were saved, items belonging to three families were damaged by the floodwater. The situation remained tense on Sunday as 84 tribal families and 22 other families continued to reside in the village despite repeated notices to vacate, citing incomplete compensation and rehabilitation.

Why did the reservoir overflow?

Heavy rainfall in Patnagarh and Khaprakhol, located in the upper catchment of the Suktel River, caused the reservoir level to rise sharply overnight. As the water level crossed the 200‑metre mark, floodwater entered the house of Sudan Bariha in Kumiapali late Saturday night. His family spent the night moving furniture and other belongings to the roof, although several items were damaged by rain and floodwater.

Water also entered the house of Krushna Bariha in the nearby Tetelpada area, forcing four families to evacuate. Another four families from Malipada and Talipada were shifted to a community shelter near the village on Sunday morning. Many households reported being unable to cook meals because of the flooding.

What actions have authorities taken?

Following reports of water entering houses, district officials and the Lower Suktel dam authorities opened four sluice gates on Sunday to release floodwater for the first time this monsoon season and regulate the reservoir level. Lower Suktel Chief Construction Engineer Surendra Bhoi said the reservoir level had increased because of heavy rainfall upstream. He said authorities were closely monitoring the situation and would open additional sluice gates if necessary. He added that officials remain in constant contact with residents of Kumiapali and that administrative teams have been deployed to the village to monitor developments.

The Lower Suktel Irrigation Project, scheduled to be inaugurated on September 26, is expected to provide irrigation to nearly 100,000 acres of farmland in Balangir and Subarnapur districts. As part of the project’s operational plan, authorities intended to store the reservoir at full capacity this year. However, 84 tribal families and 22 other families in Kumiapali have refused to vacate the village, alleging that compensation and rehabilitation measures have not been completed.

What is the status of resettlement and protests?

The administration issued eviction notices, but villagers protested, demanding a fresh assessment of their land and property. Earlier this week, police detained seven tribal leaders after protests against displacement. During subsequent discussions with the district administration, officials assured the villagers that a fresh survey of their houses, land and other assets would be carried out. The protests have remained suspended since Friday, but residents said the promised survey has yet to begin.

The administration also carried out eviction of some families who had already accepted compensation and rehabilitation packages. Villagers blamed the administration for the present crisis, alleging that inadequate planning and delays in rehabilitation left them exposed to rising reservoir waters. Officials said they will continue to monitor the reservoir level and coordinate with residents to ensure safety, opening additional sluice gates if required.

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