The Water Resources Department has confirmed that the threat of a major flood in the Mahanadi river system has been averted as rainfall has reduced significantly in the upper catchment areas.
Consequently, the inflow into the Hirakud reservoir has declined, stabilising the situation downstream.
Chief Engineer Dilip Rout stated that Hirakud is currently discharging floodwater through 22 sluice gates, with inflow and outflow nearly balanced at around 3 lakh cusecs. The reservoir’s water level stands slightly above 625 feet, well below its maximum capacity of 630 feet, indicating no need to open additional gates.
At Mundali, the current discharge is about 7.5 lakh cusecs, expected to reduce further. The water released from Hirakud on Friday afternoon will reach Mundali by Saturday evening and the delta region by Sunday morning. Even at peak flow, discharge is projected to remain below 10 lakh cusecs, ensuring that no major flood situation will arise in the Mahanadi basin.
Officials said the 22 gates will remain open for two days to gradually lower the reservoir level. The department continues close monitoring to maintain controlled water release and prevent downstream flooding.
