Bhubaneswar: In a recent development, the Hirakud Dam authorities on Saturday closed 4 gates to regulate the water level. Currently, floodwater is being discharged through 10 gates of the reservoir.
The closure of the four sluice gates is a precautionary measure to prevent any potential damage to life and property. As of Sunday evening, a total of 20 gates were opened to release floodwater, said sources.
The present water level at Hirakud Dam stands at 612 ft while the inflow at Mundali in Cuttack stands at 3 lakh cusecs. The situation is normal in all river systems in Odisha, said the Engineer-in-Chief of the Water Resources department.
Earlier, the release of floodwater from the Hirakud Dam has led to a rise in the water level of the Mahanadi River, causing concerns among the residents of the downstream areas.
It is pertinent to note that the first gate of the Hirakud Dam was opened on August 4.