Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Department, Dillip Raut, said the decision to open additional gates was taken to effectively manage the increasing inflow from the upper catchment areas.
Hirakud Dam Opens 22 Gates as Inflow Surpasses 4.15 Lakh Cusecs: The Hirakud Dam is discharging flood water through 22 gates on Saturday. According to the Water Resources Department, the reservoir has recorded an inflow of more than 4.15 lakh cusecs of water. This has prompted authorities to open two additional gates to regulate the rising level and maintain reservoir safety.
According to the Water Resources Department, the reservoir is currently recording an inflow of 4,15,017 cusecs, while approximately 3,89,000 cusecs of water is being released downstream. Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Department, Dillip Raut, said the decision to open additional gates was taken to effectively manage the increasing inflow from the upper catchment areas. Officials are conducting continuous monitoring of the reservoir and reviewing water levels at regular intervals to ensure safe dam operations. They added that gate operations may be revised further depending on future inflow trends.
The increased discharge from Hirakud is expected to push the flow at Khairmal to around 7.5 lakh cusecs after the released water reaches the downstream stretch. Officials are keeping a close watch on the river system and assessing its impact on vulnerable areas along the Mahanadi basin.
Residents living near the river have been advised to remain alert, avoid entering the river, and follow official advisories issued by local authorities. Emergency teams are monitoring the situation to respond quickly if water levels rise further.
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