Floodwaters disrupt Sambalpur–Subarnapur road after Hirakud Dam water release

Traffic movement between Sambalpur and Subarnapur was disrupted on Friday after floodwaters from the Mahanadi entered State Highway-15, forcing the administration to shut down a key stretch of the road.

According to reports, 24 gates of the Hirakud Dam were opened to release excess water, leading to a surge in the Mahanadi’s flow. As a result, water spilled over the Gunderapur bridge and also submerged the bridge over the Malati Jore (river), making the road unsafe for travel.

The district administration immediately stopped vehicular movement on this route as a precautionary measure to avoid accidents. With the highway closed, vehicles are now being diverted through an alternative route, from Sambalpur via Maneswar to reach Sonepur.

Officials said the situation is being closely monitored, and necessary safety protocols have been put in place. Meanwhile, the closure has caused inconvenience to commuters and partially affected normal life in the region.

The Hirakud Dam authorities noted that water discharge was necessary to maintain safe reservoir levels following heavy inflow from upstream.