Hirakud Dam Opens 22 Gates as Flood Risk Rises in Odisha

Sambalpur: Authorities at Hirakud Dam have opened 22 sluice gates to release excess water as heavy inflows continue from upstream catchment areas.

Officials confirmed that eight additional gates were opened on Friday, raising the total to 22.

Currently, around 3.5 lakh cusecs of water is being discharged, while the Khairmal gauge station downstream has recorded 5.27 lakh cusecs.

Once the released water reaches Khairmal, the flow is expected to rise to nearly 7.5 lakh cusecs.

The Water Resources Department has issued a caution for residents in low‑lying areas along the Mahanadi river system.

District administrations have activated control rooms and advised people to remain vigilant, avoiding flooded zones.

Persistent rainfall in the upper catchment has heightened concerns, with field officers closely monitoring water levels to prevent escalation of flood risks.