The Hirakud Reservoir in Sambalpur began releasing floodwater on Thursday as the water level approached 625 feet, marking the first discharge of the monsoon season.
Officials opened 10 sluice gates to regulate rising inflows after performing the traditional puja ceremony around 11 am. The operation started with Gate No. 7 on the Hirakud side, followed by three more gates—three on the left spillway and one on the right. As inflows increased through the day, six additional gates were opened in the afternoon.
At 3 pm, the reservoir recorded a water level of 624.93 feet against its Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of 630 feet. The inflow stood at 1,74,181 cusecs, while the total outflow reached 88,372 cusecs. Of this, 59,314 cusecs flowed through the spillway, 25,481 cusecs through the power channel, 247 cusecs to industries, and 3,330 cusecs through the canal system.
Authorities confirmed that floodwater from Hirakud typically takes 12–16 hours to reach Khairmal and Barmul, and 36–48 hours to reach Munduli. Advance alerts have been issued for downstream areas likely to experience rising river levels.
The Chief Engineer of the Mahanadi Basin urged residents along the Mahanadi and its tributaries to remain cautious and avoid entering rivers until conditions stabilise. Officials said gate operations are being managed carefully to balance flood control and dam safety.
