Mahanadi Flood Threat Averted as Hirakud Reservoir Maintains Controlled Release
Bhubaneswar, Aug 1: The Water Resources Department has confirmed that the threat of a major flood in the Mahanadi river system has been successfully averted.
With rainfall subsiding in the upper catchment areas, inflow into the Hirakud reservoir has declined, stabilising conditions downstream.
Chief Engineer Dilip Rout stated that Hirakud is discharging water through 22 sluice gates, balancing inflow and outflow at around 3 lakh cusecs.
The reservoir’s water level stands slightly above 625 feet, well below its maximum capacity of 630 feet, eliminating the need to open additional gates.
At Mundali, discharge is currently about 7.5 lakh cusecs and is expected to reduce further.
The water released on Friday afternoon will reach Mundali by Saturday evening and the delta region by Sunday morning.
Even at peak flow, discharge is projected to remain below 10 lakh cusecs, ensuring no major flood situation in the basin.
Officials confirmed that the 22 gates will remain open for two days to gradually lower reservoir levels.
Continuous monitoring is underway to maintain controlled release and prevent downstream flooding.
