The Hirakud Dam authorities closed two sluice gates on Friday morning following a falling trend in the reservoir level.
As per the 9 AM update, the water level stood at 621.50 feet, showing a downward trend. Currently, 15 gates remain operational — 10 on the left spillway and 5 on the right.
Officials reported an average inflow of 2,59,805 cusecs with a rising trend, while the average outflow was 2,70,852 cusecs. Of this, 2,36,790 cusecs was released through the spillway, 31,182 cusecs via the power channel, 229 cusecs for industrial use, and 2,651 cusecs through the canal system.
Under canal distribution, 2,300 cusecs were released into the Bargarh Main Canal (including 2,200 cusecs for BMC and 100 cusecs for Godbhaga distributary), while 300 cusecs went into the Sambalpur Main Canal and 51 cusecs into the Sambalpur distributary.
Downstream discharge remained steady, with Mundali recording 4,74,624 cusecs, while Khairmal (3,90,000 cusecs) and Barmul (3,81,250 cusecs) showed a falling trend. Belgaon and Patharla recorded 25,000 cusecs and 54,765 cusecs respectively.
The catchment area saw slight rainfall, with Burla receiving 3.8 mm and Hirakud 1.7 mm. Authorities said they are closely monitoring inflow and rainfall in the upper catchment to regulate gate operations.
