The flood situation in Odisha has eased, with the Hirakud Dam authorities closing two more sluice gates, reducing the total number of open gates to 17.
According to Chief Engineer Dillip Rout, water inflow into the reservoir has dropped to 1.07 lakh cusecs, while outflow remains higher at 3.03 lakh cusecs, helping stabilise downstream levels.
At Mundali, the discharge has moderated to 5.82 lakh cusecs, signalling a steady decline in flood intensity across the Mahanadi system. The current water level at Hirakud stands at 620.77 feet, and officials plan to maintain 618 feet by Tuesday and 615 feet by Wednesday.
The Chief Engineer noted that no significant rainfall has been recorded in either the upper or lower catchment areas of the Mahanadi. While international weather models indicate possible rain after August 5, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has yet to issue any formal forecast.
He added that authorities remain alert due to El Niño conditions, which could influence rainfall patterns in the coming weeks.
