Hirakud discharged water reaches Cuttack Mundali; over 4 lakh cusecs to flow through Mahanadi today

Flood discharge from the Hirakud Dam is set to reach Mundali in Cuttack today, with an estimated 4.5 lakh cusecs of water expected to flow through the lower reaches of the Mahanadi. 

The Water Resources Department confirmed to sources that water is currently being released through 20 sluice gates of the Hirakud Dam, 13 on the left side and 7 on the right, as part of its ongoing monsoon flood management strategy.

Officials noted that although floodwater has started reaching the delta region, the situation in the lower Mahanadi remains under control.

Notably, the department’s chief engineer clarified that there is no flood threat at present in the downstream stretches while also adding that real-time monitoring is underway and further decisions regarding gate operations will depend on upstream rainfall.

The inflow at Hirakud is being closely tracked, especially in light of potential heavy rain in the upper catchments. Authorities have indicated that additional gates could be opened if rainfall intensifies across regions feeding into the Mahanadi basin.

Hirakud Inflow Surpasses Outflow Amid Ongoing Rainfall

The current water level at the Hirakud Dam stands at 609.79 feet. As per official data, the reservoir is receiving 3,42,453 cusecs of water per second while releasing 3,35,649 cusecs downstream.

The slight surplus in inflow over outflow has led to a gradual increase in storage, prompting heightened readiness across districts along the river’s course.

The discharge operation, which began with the opening of gate number 7 at 10 AM on Sunday, has expanded steadily in response to rising inflow from Chhattisgarh and Odisha’s upper catchments.

The Mahanadi’s water volume is expected to remain elevated for the next 48 hours due to continuous rainfall. Though the situation does not currently warrant a large-scale flood warning, the Water Resources Department has advised to remain alert.