Authorities at Hirakud Dam closed four sluice gates on Thursday morning following a decline in inflow to the reservoir. As per the 9 AM update, only two gates — one on each side — remain open.
The reservoir level stood at 614.62 ft, showing a rising trend. The average inflow dropped to 1,33,956 cusecs, while the outflow remained steady at 1,25,934 cusecs. Of this, 91,434 cusecs was released through the spillway, 30,644 cusecs via the power channel, and 3,627 cusecs through canals for irrigation and industrial use — including 3,226 cusecs for BMC, 300 cusecs for SMC, and 101 cusecs for SBP Distributary.
Downstream discharge showed a falling trend at major gauge sites: Khairmal (2,14,500 cusecs), Barmul (2,19,250 cusecs), and Mundali (3,83,808 cusecs). Light rainfall was recorded at Burla (1.0 mm) and Hirakud (0.9 mm), with cloudy skies over the catchment area.
Officials said the gate regulation was carried out to ensure downstream safety amid the IMD’s red alert for heavy rain in Odisha.
