Sambalpur, Aug 3 (UDN): The Hirakud Dam authorities have closed two more sluice gates as inflows into the reservoir continue to recede, marking a gradual easing of the flood situation in the Mahanadi basin. With the latest adjustment, floodwater is now being released through 17 gates of the dam.
According to the latest reservoir update, the Hirakud Dam is currently receiving an inflow of 107,694 cusecs, while the outflow remains higher than the inflow. The controlled release is part of the reservoir’s operational strategy to gradually lower the water level and maintain adequate flood-cushion capacity without compromising downstream safety.
Officials said the reduction in the number of open gates follows a sustained decline in upstream inflows, enabling dam authorities to progressively scale back floodwater discharge. The reservoir’s operations are being continuously reviewed based on real-time hydrological data, including rainfall across the upper catchment, river inflows, reservoir storage levels, and downstream conditions.
The phased closure of the gates reflects improving hydrological conditions while underscoring the continued need for careful reservoir regulation. Authorities are maintaining round-the-clock monitoring of the situation and will make further adjustments to gate operations as warranted by prevailing weather patterns and river flows.
Although the flood situation has shown signs of improvement, water continues to be discharged into the Mahanadi River system. Residents living in downstream and low-lying areas have been advised to remain alert and follow updates and advisories issued by the district administration and the Water Resources Department until discharge levels are further reduced.
The Hirakud Dam, one of India’s largest multipurpose river valley projects, plays a critical role in flood moderation in the Mahanadi basin. The current gate operations form part of its standard flood management protocol aimed at balancing reservoir safety with downstream flood control.
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