Hirakud Reservoir Opens 14 Gates to Release Floodwater; Authorities on High Alert

Sambalpur: With heavy inflow from upstream catchments, the Hirakud reservoir authorities opened 14 sluice gates on Tuesday to discharge excess floodwater.

Of these, nine gates are on the left and five on the right side of the dam.

The water level has risen to 620.02 feet, with an inflow of 2,24,614 cusecs and an outflow of 1,99,264 cusecs through spillways, power channels, irrigation canals, and industrial use.

Spillway discharge alone accounts for 1,64,535 cusecs, while power channels release 31,756 cusecs.

Canal systems are carrying water for agriculture: Bargarh canal (2,393 cusecs), Sasan canal (300 cusecs), and Sambalpur distributary (51 cusecs).

Downstream river levels are rising, with Khairmal recording 2,64,000 cusecs, Baramul 1,44,000 cusecs, and Munduli 1,60,938 cusecs.

Moderate rainfall of 9.6 mm was recorded in Burla over the past 24 hours.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to balance reservoir safety with flood control, as inflows remain significant.

Officials have urged residents in low‑lying downstream areas to remain vigilant as floodwaters continue to swell across the Mahanadi system.