Hirakud Dam gates to be opened tomorrow for ‘Puja’

Odisha's famed Hirakud Dam is set to open six of its sluice gates tomorrow i.e. July 7 solely for a puja, a move anticipated to draw considerable local interest. After the conclusion of the rituals, the gates will be promptly sealed.

This was revealed by Chandrashekhar Padhi, the Chief Engineer of the Odisha Water Resources Department. Padhi stated the decisions regarding any potential opening of the gates for floodwater discharge require evaluation of the rule curve, followed by consultation with relevant authorities.

As it stands, no decision has been made to activate the gates for managing floodwaters.

“Tomorrow’s release is a customary release for religious rituals and is done every year. Future decisions regarding the opening of additional gates will rely on the rule curve assessments and consultations across different levels,” Padhi told media persons. 

“Presently, there are no plans to open any gates for flood discharge. This controlled release typically aims to prevent the inundation of downstream areas. The timing and necessity will depend on the evaluations of water levels and requirements,” he added.