Sambalpur: Hirakud dam authorities have opened a total of 22 sluice gates amid rising water levels in the reservoir, according to the latest update from dam officials on Saturday.
According to latest data, the reservoir level (R.L.) stood at 625.47 feet and was showing an upward trend. This is against the Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of 630 feet.
Average inflow into the Hirakud Reservoir was recorded at 4,15,017 cusecs, while the average outflow stood at 3,89,603 cusecs. Of the outflow, the bulk — 3,54,002 cusecs — was being released through the spillway. Additional releases included 31,759 cusecs through the power channel, 247 cusecs for industrial use, and 3,595 cusecs through canals (primarily BMC, SMC, and SBP distributaries).
The high inflow and corresponding gate operations are being managed to regulate water levels in the reservoir on the Mahanadi River. Downstream gauge stations were also reporting significant discharges, with authorities monitoring the situation closely.
Dam officials continue to operate the gates based on real-time inflow, rainfall in the catchment areas, and downstream conditions. Residents in low-lying areas along the Mahanadi and its tributaries have been advised to remain alert.
