TV
With relentless rainfall continuing over the upper catchment areas of the Mahanadi basin, the water level at Hirakud Dam has surged significantly, prompting authorities to intensify floodwater discharge by opening 20 sluice gates.
Officials confirmed on Monday that the inflow now exceeds the outflow, leading to a gradual rise in the reservoir’s storage level.
According to the Water Resources Department, the current water level at Hirakud stands at 609.79 feet, while the dam is receiving 3,42,453 cusecs of water per second and releasing 3,35,649 cusecs through its open gates.
Officials stated that decisions regarding the opening of additional gates will be taken based on real-time inflow data and downstream river conditions.
Discharge May Be Increased, Downstream Alert Issued
Given the continuing rainfall in Chhattisgarh and upper catchment areas in Odisha, authorities anticipate sustained high inflow over the next 48 hours.
Although a flood alert has been issued for low-lying areas in the Mahanadi delta, the department clarified that there is no immediate threat of a large-scale flood in downstream districts. However, residents near the riverbanks have been advised to stay alert and avoid venturing into the river.
Flood Management Begins in Phased Manner
The current release follows the initial opening of sluice gate number 7 on Sunday at 10 am, which marked the beginning of Hirakud’s monsoon flood management operations.
The discharge yesterday was the first of the season and has now expanded to a multi-gate operation as rainfall intensifies across the region.
As the Mahanadi’s volume increases, district administrations along its course, including in Cuttack, Puri, and Jagatsinghpur, have been asked to maintain a watch and prepare contingency plans if water levels continue to rise.
