Hirakud opens 20 gates to discharge excess water; no flood threat in next 2-3 days, says EIC

Even though floodwater has started to recede in several parts of Odisha, the inflow into Hirakud dam is rising constantly. As a result, excess floodwater is being released through 20 sluice gates of Hirakud dam. The water level of Hirkud dam now stands at 621.95ft by 9 am.

Senior officials informed that Hirakud recorded an inflow of around 3,50, 000 cusecs while the outflow is almost similar.

“As there has been a drop in the inflow of floodwater into the reservoir, we hope to maintain our target level and bring the water level of the dam down as there has been no major rainfall in the upstream,” said Engineer-in-chief of Water Resources Department, Bhakta Ranjan Mohanty.

Around 2, 61, 500 cusecs of water is now flowing at Mundali.

According to Mohanty, water levels of major rivers are on a declining trend and there is no need to panic as there is no flood threat in the next two to three days.

Meanwhile, a 20 ft breach has developed in the Puri main canal near Balakati on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. On getting information, senior officials visited the spot and began necessary repair work.