The Hirakud Dam authorities have opened 22 sluice gates to release excess water as the reservoir continues to receive heavy inflow from upstream catchment areas, raising concerns of flooding along the Mahanadi river system.
Officials said eight more gates were opened on Friday in the third phase of discharge, taking the total to 22. The Water Resources Department reported that around 3.5 lakh cusecs of water is currently being released from the dam, while the Khairmal gauge station downstream recorded a flow of 5.27 lakh cusecs.
Once the released water reaches Khairmal, the total flow is expected to rise to nearly 7.5 lakh cusecs, prompting authorities to issue a caution for residents in low‑lying areas.
The district administration has advised people living along the riverbanks to remain vigilant and avoid venturing into flooded zones. Control rooms have been activated to monitor the situation, and field officers are keeping close watch on the water level.
The Hirakud reservoir’s rising level has heightened administrative concern, with inflows continuing due to persistent rainfall in the upper catchment.
