Hirakud Dam Opens Four Gates Amid Rising Water Level

Sambalpur: Authorities at Hirakud Dam opened four sluice gates on Sunday to release excess water following heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas.

Three gates on the left and one on the right were activated to manage the rising reservoir level, which reached 611.50 feet.

The inflow stood at nearly 1,57,442 cusecs, while about 33,000 cusecs were discharged downstream.

Warning sirens were sounded to alert residents in low‑lying areas along the Mahanadi River, urging them to remain vigilant and avoid flood‑prone zones.

Officials confirmed that further gate operations will depend on rainfall intensity and inflow volume.

Hirakud Dam, one of India’s longest earthen dams, plays a crucial role in flood control, irrigation, and power generation.

Controlled releases during monsoon are routine to minimise downstream flood risks.