Sambalpur, July 23 (UDN): The Hirakud Dam authorities on Thursday opened four additional sluice gates to regulate the rising inflow from the upper catchment areas, increasing the total number of gates releasing floodwater from 12 to 16.
The decision comes amid sustained rainfall in the upper reaches of the Mahanadi river basin, which has significantly increased the volume of water entering the reservoir.
According to official data, the water level in the Hirakud reservoir stood at 614.23 feet on Thursday. The dam is currently receiving an inflow of approximately 3.14 lakh cusecs of water per second, while 2,09,920 cusecs are being discharged into the Mahanadi River through the opened gates to maintain the reservoir at a safe level.
Authorities said the situation is being monitored round the clock, and the number of open gates will be reviewed depending on future inflows and weather conditions.
Downstream Districts Put on Alert
Following the increase in water discharge, the state government has alerted district administrations located downstream of the Hirakud Dam to remain prepared for a possible rise in river water levels.
Officials have been asked to closely monitor vulnerable riverbank areas, disseminate timely warnings to residents, and take precautionary measures wherever necessary to ensure public safety.
The Water Resources Department has also urged people living along the banks of the Mahanadi and its distributaries to stay away from the river during the release of floodwater and to follow advisories issued by local authorities.
The opening of additional gates forms part of the dam’s standard flood management protocol aimed at regulating reservoir levels while minimising flood risks in downstream regions.
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