Bhubaneswar: Three more gates were opened at Hirakud Reservoir on Monday morning after dam authorities issued orders, taking the total number of open sluice gates to eight (five on the left and three on the right).The decision comes as the reservoir level stood at 623.02 feet and was rising.
At the time of the 9 am update, five sluice gates were already open (three left and two right). Average inflow was recorded at 1,53,405 cusecs (rising), while average outflow stood at 1,14,741 cusecs.
The outflow breakdown included 79,495 cusecs through the spillway, 32,005 cusecs via the power channel, 229 cusecs for industrial use, and 3,012 cusecs through canals (BMC 2,661, SMC 300, and SBP distributary 51).
Present outflow has since increased to 1,62,580 cusecs, with spillway discharge rising to 1,27,224 cusecs following the additional gate openings.Downstream gauge readings showed mixed trends: Belgaon recorded 49,800 cusecs with a rising trend, Patharla 26,750 cusecs (rising), Khairmal 1,54,000 cusecs (constant), Barmul 1,61,750 cusecs (falling), and Mundali 2,36,192 cusecs (falling). Average upstream rainfall was 32.41 mm, while downstream average rainfall stood at 19.33 mm.
The dam authorities are closely monitoring the situation in view of recent heavy rainfall across Odisha. Residents in downstream areas have been advised to stay alert.
