Kanhar Dam Water Level Surges: 12 Spillway Gates Opened Amid Heavy Rains, High Alert Issued for Low-Lying Areas

Severe weather patterns and incessant monsoon downpours in upper catchment regions frequently test the capacity and management of major interstate water reservoirs. When heavy inflows threaten structural safety, swift and coordinated water discharge becomes essential to prevent downstream flooding and protect surrounding communities.Following torrential and continuous rainfall across the upper reaches of neighboring Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, the Kanhar River has experienced a massive surge in water flow. This heavy inflow has driven up the water level of the Kanhar Irrigation Project located in Amwar under Duddhi tehsil, pushing reservoir levels to a critical mark of 262.500 meters.12 Spillway Gates Opened to Release Excess WaterTo effectively manage the rapidly rising reservoir levels and safeguard the dam structure, project authorities have escalated water discharge protocols. A total of 12 spillway gates—specifically gates numbered 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, and 16—have been hoisted open by 2 meters each.Compared to previous days, two additional gates were opened to accelerate the outflow as incoming runoff volumes continued to climb. Executive Engineer Vinod Kumar confirmed that departmental technical teams are maintaining round-the-clock surveillance to monitor the dam's structural behavior and inflow rates.Administrative Alert Issued for Low-Lying Coastal VillagesIn response to the heavy discharge into the Kanhar River basin, local district administrations and dam authorities have issued a high-level safety alert for residents inhabiting low-lying areas and riverside settlements.The administration has strongly urged villagers, farmers, and local citizens to maintain a safe distance from the riverbanks and avoid venturing into flooded zones. Special vigilance has been mandated across vulnerable coastal villages to ensure zero loss of life or property as water levels remain exceptionally high.