Authorities at the Hirakud Dam opened eight sluice gates at 9 am on Wednesday to release excess water, with five gates on the left spillway and three on the right.
According to dam officials, the reservoir level stood at 614.31 feet. The average inflow was recorded at 1,00,581 cusecs (rising), while the average outflow stood at 1,56,753 cusecs (falling).
Of the total outflow, 1,21,760 cusecs was released through the spillway, 30,987 cusecs via the power channel, 229 cusecs for industrial use, and 3,777 cusecs through canals. Downstream discharge levels were reported at Belgaon (21,500 cusecs), Patharla (40,934 cusecs), Khairmal (2,37,000 cusecs), Barmul (2,83,000 cusecs), and Mundali (3,94,384 cusecs).
Cumulative rainfall was measured at 24.4 mm at Hirakud and 12.8 mm at Burla, adding to the inflow pressure. Officials confirmed that flood management protocols are in place to balance reservoir safety and downstream flow.
