Cuttack,(OT Webdesk)— A massive discharge of approximately 4.5 lakh cusecs of water from the Hirakud Dam reached Mundali in Cuttack today, prompting heightened alertness among local authorities.
The Water Resources Department confirmed that 20 sluice gates — 13 on the left and 7 on the right — have been opened as part of monsoon flood regulation.
Despite the surge, officials assured that the lower Mahanadi delta region remains safe, with no immediate flood threat. Continuous real-time monitoring is in place, with further action contingent on rainfall levels in upstream regions.
Currently, the reservoir stands at 609.79 feet, with an inflow of 3.42 lakh cusecs and an outflow slightly lower at 3.35 lakh cusecs.
Discharge operations began Sunday morning with the opening of Gate 7, gradually ramping up in response to increased inflows from Chhattisgarh and upper Odisha.
Authorities have warned that persistent rainfall in the catchment area could swell river levels over the next 48 hours.
Meanwhile, district administrations downstream have been urged to stay vigilant and implement precautionary measures as necessary.
