Hirakud Dam Shuts Four Gates as Inflow Drops

Sambalpur: Authorities at Hirakud Dam closed four sluice gates on Thursday morning as inflow from upstream rivers continued to decline. Currently, only two gates remain open—one on each side of the reservoir.

The water level at the dam stood at 614.62 feet, showing a rising trend despite reduced inflow.

Average inflow was recorded at 1,33,956 cusecs, while outflow remained constant at 1,25,934 cusecs.

Of this, 91,434 cusecs were discharged through the spillway, 30,644 cusecs via the power channel, and 3,627 cusecs through irrigation and industrial canals.

Downstream discharge showed a falling trend at major gauge sites: Khairmal (2,14,500 cusecs), Barmul (2,19,250 cusecs), and Mundali (3,83,808 cusecs). Other sites, including Belgaon and Patharla, also reported declines.

Rainfall in the catchment area was minimal, with Burla recording 1.0 mm and Hirakud 0.9 mm. Cloudy skies persisted, but no significant precipitation was reported.

Officials said the gate regulation was necessary to balance reservoir inflow and downstream safety, especially under the IMD’s red alert for heavy rain in Odisha.