In response to heavy rainfall and continuous water inflow from the upper catchments, authorities at the Hirakud Dam further escalated flood water discharge operations on Saturday afternoon by opening four additional sluice gates.
With the latest additions, a total of 20 gates are now actively releasing flood water from the reservoir. According to reports, the four new gates were sequentially opened between 3:05 PM and 3:28 PM on Saturday. The regulated release currently includes 13 gates open on the left spillway and 7 gates open on the right spillway.
As of 3:00 PM on Saturday, the reservoir’s water level was recorded at 629.21 feet and has been showing a gradual downward trend. Assessments at the same hour indicated an average water inflow of 1,34,501 cusecs against an outflow of 2,99,678 cusecs through the main outlets.
Following the opening of the additional four gates, the total discharge capacity increased significantly to 3,66,045 cusecs. A breakdown of the current outflow shows:
- Spillway Discharge: 3,27,540 cusecs
- Power Channel Discharge: 34,585 cusecs
- Canal Systems (Bargada, Sasan, Sambalpur): 3,663 cusecs
The massive release of water from Hirakud has led to a steady rise in water levels across the downstream regions of the Mahanadi River system. Current readings from key monitoring stations indicate significant downstream flow volumes:
- Belgaon: 1,85,400 cusecs
- Khairmal: 3,95,000 cusecs
- Baramul: 2,19,250 cusecs
- Kataka Mundali Barrage: 3,50,516 cusecs
Authorities report that water levels across almost all gauging stations are trending upward. District administrations and local teams remain on alert as continuous surveillance is maintained along vulnerable low-lying areas downstream.
