In response to sustained heavy rainfall over the Mahanadi basin, authorities at Hirakud Dam have opened 20 sluice gates to release floodwater and ease the rising pressure on the reservoir.
According to the Water Resources Department, the dam is currently receiving 3,42,453 cusecs of water per second while discharging 3,35,649 cusecs. As of Monday morning, the water level stands at 609.79 feet, just under the danger threshold.
The surge follows intense rain over the upper catchment areas in Chhattisgarh and Odisha, and the inflow is expected to remain high for the next 48 hours. Officials are closely monitoring the situation, and additional gate openings are possible depending on updated rainfall and river data.
Downstream Areas on Alert, No Major Flood Threat Yet
While no large-scale flood threat is currently anticipated, residents in low-lying areas of the Mahanadi delta—especially in Cuttack, Puri, and Jagatsinghpur—have been urged to remain vigilant and avoid entering riverbanks.
Local administrations have been instructed to implement contingency plans and initiate flood preparedness protocols as a precaution.
Seasonal Flood Management in Full Swing
This flood discharge operation follows the initial opening of gate number 7 on Sunday at 10 AM, marking the start of this year’s monsoon water regulation. With rainfall intensifying, the system has now transitioned into multi-gate flood management mode.
The dam, a critical flood control infrastructure in Odisha, plays a key role in managing excess rainfall and safeguarding millions living downstream. Authorities have conducted a special puja before initiating the release, as is customary before the season’s first discharge.
The situation remains under control, but officials say continuous rain and inflow monitoring will be vital over the next few days.
