Sambalpur: Four sluice gates of the Hirakud Dam were closed on Thursday morning following a drop in inflow to the reservoir.
As per the reservoir update issued at 9 am, the dam authorities have ordered the closure of 04 gates. With this, only 02 sluice gates — 01 on the left and 01 on the right — will remain open.
Earlier, a total of 06 gates were open, with 04 on the left side and 02 on the right side.
The water-level in the reservoir was recorded at 614.62 feet and is showing a rising trend. The average inflow to the dam has decreased to 1,33,956 cusecs, while the average outflow stands at 1,25,934 cusecs and remains constant.
Of the total outflow, 91,434 cusecs is being discharged through the spillway and 30,644 cusecs through the power channel. Additionally, 3,627 cusecs of water is being released through canals for irrigation and industrial purposes. This includes 3,226 cusecs for BMC, 300 cusecs for SMC, and 101 cusecs for SBP Distributary.
The downstream discharge also shows a falling trend at major gauge sites. At Khairmal, the discharge is 2,14,500 cusecs, at Barmul it is 2,19,250 cusecs, and at Mundali it is 3,83,808 cusecs. Other locations like Belgaon and Patharla also recorded a fall in water levels.
Rainfall of 1.0 mm was recorded at Burla and 0.9 mm at Hirakud during the period. The sky remained cloudy over the catchment area.
Officials said the regulation of gates has been carried out in view of the declining inflow and to ensure downstream safety amid the IMD’s red alert for heavy rain in Odisha.
