Hirakud Dam Opens Six Gates to Manage Rising Water Levels Amid Heavy Rainfall

Sambalpur — In response to surging inflows caused by heavy upstream rainfall, authorities at the Hirakud Dam have opened six sluice gates to release excess water and prevent downstream flooding.

The reservoir’s water level reached 629.37 feet, prompting the strategic discharge into the Mahanadi River.

Of the six gates, four are located on the dam’s left side and two on the right, enabling a controlled outflow of approximately 133,758 cusecs per second. Meanwhile, the dam continues to receive an inflow of around 196,494 cusecs per second.

Officials are closely monitoring the situation and have issued alerts to residents in low-lying areas, urging caution.

The Hirakud Dam, one of Asia’s longest earthen dams, plays a pivotal role in Odisha’s flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation.

This proactive measure aims to mitigate flood risks while maintaining reservoir safety during the monsoon surge.