Bhubaneswar, July 30: A temporary coffer dam at the under-construction Kanupur Major Irrigation Project in Basudevpur village under Joda block was breached on Thursday following heavy rainfall, prompting authorities to issue flood alerts for downstream areas along the Baitarani River.

According to official sources, the breach occurred at around 7:30 am when the earthen coffer dam, built to facilitate ongoing construction work, gave way under the pressure of continuous rain. Following the incident, six radial gates and two depression sluice gates of the main dam were opened to regulate the rising water level.

Authorities immediately sounded warning sirens around the dam site and advised people to stay away from the river and surrounding areas. Police and district administration officials were deployed to monitor the situation and coordinate precautionary measures.

The administration has alerted residents of low-lying villages and riverbank areas in Joda, Champua, Patna and Jhumpura blocks, urging them to remain vigilant as increased water discharge may raise water levels at Anandpur and Akhuapada.

The Kanupur Major Irrigation Project was scheduled for completion by the end of July 2026. However, the latest breach, similar to one reported last year, is expected to delay construction further, raising concerns over the project's timeline and the safety of temporary structures during the monsoon season.

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