The authorities managing the Hirakud Dam in Odisha’s Sambalpur district opened four sluice gates on Sunday after a steady rise in the reservoir’s water level due to heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas.
The move was taken to safely discharge excess water and regulate the reservoir level while maintaining flood management measures.
Water released through four gates
According to officials, floodwater is being released through three sluice gates on the left side of the dam and one gate on the right side.
The water level in the Hirakud reservoir reached 611.50 feet following continuous rainfall across the upper catchment regions. Reports indicate that the reservoir recorded an inflow of nearly 1,57,442 cusecs of water.
To manage the increasing inflow, authorities began releasing approximately 33,000 cusecs of water through the opened sluice gates.
Flood advisory issued for low-lying areas
Ahead of opening the gates, dam authorities sounded warning sirens to alert residents living in low-lying areas along the Mahanadi River.
People residing near the riverbanks have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid entering the river or flood-prone areas as water levels downstream may rise following the controlled discharge.
Officials said the precautionary measure is part of the standard flood management protocol followed whenever excess water needs to be released from the reservoir.
Authorities monitoring rainfall and inflow
The dam administration continues to closely monitor rainfall in the upper catchment areas and the inflow into the reservoir.
Officials said further decisions regarding the opening of additional sluice gates will depend on the volume of incoming water and prevailing weather conditions.
The Hirakud Dam, one of India’s longest earthen dams, plays a crucial role in flood control, irrigation and power generation in Odisha. Controlled water releases are routinely carried out during the monsoon season to maintain safe reservoir levels and minimise downstream flood risks.
