The flood discharge from Odisha’s Hirakud Dam has reached Mundali in Cuttack, with approximately 4.5 lakh cusecs of water expected to flow through the Mahanadi River today.
According to the Water Resources Department, 20 sluice gates—13 on the left and 7 on the right—have been opened as part of ongoing flood management operations during the monsoon season.
Officials have confirmed that while the floodwaters are entering the delta region, the situation in the lower Mahanadi remains under control. The department’s chief engineer stated that there is currently no flood threat downstream. However, real-time monitoring is in progress, and any further decisions on gate adjustments will depend on rainfall patterns in the upstream catchments.
The reservoir level at Hirakud stands at 609.79 feet. The dam is receiving an inflow of 3,42,453 cusecs per second, slightly exceeding the outflow of 3,35,649 cusecs. The discharge began Sunday morning with the opening of Gate 7 and has expanded in response to increasing inflows from Chhattisgarh and upper Odisha.
With continued rainfall expected in the basin area, elevated river volumes are likely over the next 48 hours. While the situation is stable for now, the Water Resources Department has urged district administrations along the Mahanadi to stay alert for any rapid developments.
