Sambalpur: In order to manage the rising water level due the incessant rain since last couple of days, the Hirakud Dam will release the first flood water of the season from the reservoir tomorrow.
Hirakud Chief Engineer Jyotirmaya Rath informed, “The first flood water will be released between 10 am and 11 am tomorrow. However, considering the quantity of inflow of water to the reservoir, the decision regarding the number of sluice gates to be opened for the discharge of excess water will be taken tomorrow.”
Rath further stated that 2,05,352 cusecs of water is entering the dam per second now. While the dam has a capacity of 630 feet, water level reached 615.43 ft by 9 am today, Rath added.
Meanwhile, the dam authorities have alerted the villagers in low lying areas of the Hirakud dam. The Collectors and Police Superintendents of Boudh and Subarnapur have also been advised to remain alert as the discharge of water from the Hirakud dam may trigger flood-like situation in the districts.
The authorities of Sambalpur have warned people to not venture into Mahandi River during these hours.
On the other hand, the Special Relief Commissioner has asked the Collectors of six districts- Jajpur, Cuttack, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara and Khurda to remain alert to tackle any flood-like situation that might arise due to the incessant rain.