Sambalpur, Aug 1 (UDN): The Hirakud Dam authorities have opened 22 sluice gates to manage rising water levels in the reservoir following a significant increase in inflow, with officials closely monitoring the situation to ensure safe water regulation along the Mahanadi River.
The reservoir level reached 625.47 feet, showing a steady rise and remaining close to the Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of 630 feet). Officials said the controlled release of water through the gates is part of routine reservoir management to maintain balance between incoming water flow and storage capacity.
The latest data showed that the reservoir received an average inflow of around 4,15,017 cusecs, while the total outflow stood at approximately 3,89,603 cusecs. Most of the released water was discharged through the spillway, along with additional releases through power channels, industrial supply systems, and irrigation canals.
Authorities are continuously tracking rainfall in the catchment areas, river conditions, and downstream water levels before making further decisions on gate operations. The aim is to regulate the flow effectively while ensuring the safety of people and infrastructure in nearby areas.
Residents living in low-lying regions along the Mahanadi and its tributaries have been advised to remain cautious and stay updated on official advisories as water releases continue.
Hirakud Dam, one of India’s largest multipurpose river projects, plays a crucial role in flood control, irrigation, and power generation, supporting millions of people and agricultural activities across the region.