The Hirakud Dam authorities opened three more sluice gates on Monday morning as the reservoir level continued to rise amid heavy rainfall across Odisha. With the latest openings, a total of eight sluice gates are now operational — five on the left side and three on the right.
The reservoir level stood at 623.02 feet and was showing a rising trend, prompting authorities to increase the discharge of water from the dam.
At the 9 am update, five gates had already been opened — three on the left and two on the right. The average inflow into the reservoir was recorded at 1,53,405 cusecs and rising, while the average outflow was 1,14,741 cusecs.
Following the opening of the additional gates, the present outflow increased to 1,62,580 cusecs, with spillway discharge reaching 1,27,224 cusecs.
The earlier outflow included 79,495 cusecs through the spillway, 32,005 cusecs through the power channel, 229 cusecs for industrial use and 3,012 cusecs through canals.
Downstream water levels being monitored
Hirakud authorities are keeping a close watch on water flow at various downstream locations.
At Belgaon, the discharge was recorded at 49,800 cusecs and rising, while Patharla recorded 26,750 cusecs with a rising trend. Khairmal recorded 1,54,000 cusecs and remained constant.
At Barmul, the discharge stood at 1,61,750 cusecs but was showing a falling trend. Mundali recorded 2,36,192 cusecs, also with a falling trend.
The average rainfall recorded upstream was 32.41 mm, while downstream areas received an average of 19.33 mm.
Authorities urge downstream residents to remain alert
The increased discharge comes as several parts of Odisha continue to experience heavy rainfall. Dam authorities are closely monitoring the reservoir and downstream water flow to manage the situation.
Residents living in downstream areas have been advised to remain alert and exercise caution as water discharge from Hirakud continues to increase.
The situation is being monitored closely, with further decisions on gate operations expected to depend on the reservoir level, inflow and rainfall conditions.
