Authorities at Getalsud reservoir, one of the biggest water bodies of the capital, issued a flood alert on Friday, asking those living in the neighbourhood and the dam’s catchment areas to remain vigilant in view of incessant rains that began on Thursday due to a low-pressure system over Bay of Bengal.

In the last 24 hours, Ranchi received 60mm rain, filling up Getalsud dam, also known as Rukka dam, by 1.5 feet which is near about its total storage capacity.

Executive engineer of Getalsud dam Prabhat Singh said, “The water level in the dam as of Friday morning is 1,930 feet, an increase of 1.5 feet since Thursday. Going by the predictions of the Met department, rains are expected to continue for few a more days. This will further increase the water level in the dam.”

Singh said the total capacity of the dam is about 1.935 feet, but after the water level goes beyond the 1,930 feet mark, the situation turns risky. “As a precaution, we have issued an alert to all those living in and around the dam’s catchment area, asking them to be cautious in the event of a flood-like situation if we have to release water from the dam,” he explained.

According to Singh, over the years, the dam’s catchment areas have seen indiscriminate and illegal construction, primarily makeshift houses and buildings. Those living in these places could be at the frontline of risk once the gates of the dam are opened.

“We are asking all such people to relocate to safer places as the water from the dam is already getting evacuated slowly, which is also leading to a rise in the water level of the Subernarekha river. The water resources department will not be responsible in case of loss of lives and property because of flooding,” he said.

The Getalsud dam is spread over an area of 766 sq km. It is a major source of water for he the entire capital. Two other dams, Gonda (Kanke) and Hatia, that are smaller in size, however, were yet to reach the danger mark, Singh said.