Koraput,(OT Webdesk) July 3: With the monsoon rains intensifying across Odisha, the Machkund Dam in Koraput district has discharged its first floodwater of the season.
Authorities opened two sluice gates—numbers 6 and 7—after the reservoir reached 2,588 feet, just two feet below its maximum holding capacity of 2,590 feet.
Roughly 2,000 cusecs of water were released into the downstream Chitrakonda reservoir as a routine flood control measure.
Officials from the Water Resources Department stated they are closely monitoring rainfall and inflow levels and may open additional gates if necessary.
“This is a standard precautionary step. Our teams are on alert both upstream and downstream,” a dam official said, adding that no incidents of flooding or damage have been reported in surrounding areas.
The Machkund Dam plays a vital role in regional hydropower generation and irrigation.
It regularly sees increased inflow during the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall in both Odisha and neighboring Andhra Pradesh.
As forecasts suggest more showers in the coming days, the department is prepared to scale up safety protocols if needed.
